Ex-#Broncos QB Paxton Lynch signs with Colorado Spartans to ‘write comeback story’ in arena league. He was coaching youth football in Denver when this opportunity surfaced for $600 a game. My story after talking with Spartans owner Tony Thompson. https://t.co/ltsmgOtHfP
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 1, 2025
A former Denver Broncos quarterback has found his way back to Colorado — this time in arena football. Former Broncos first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch has joined the Colorado Spartans, the state’s arena football team, eight years after his final NFL start.
After a largely unremarkable career in the NFL, bouncing from the Broncos to the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lynch played spring ball in the XFL for the Orlando Guardians and with the USFL’s Michigan Panthers.
Lynch’s professional career really never got off the ground after a successful collegiate career at Memphis. Lynch was the 26th overall pick of the Broncos in the 2016 NFL draft, but only started four games, going 1-3 with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Lynch is considered one of the biggest first-round busts in Denver history, especially as a potential successor to Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
Lynch will now try to make it in arena football, making $600 per game in the National Arena League. The Spartans play their home games at the Denver Coliseum.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.