RJ Harvey had never experienced anything like the second half of the AFC Championship Game.

“My first time playing in the snow,” the Broncos running back said in their postgame locker room on Jan. 25.

A late-game snowstorm at Empower Field at Mile High changed everything in a 10-7 loss to the Patriots. Harvey carried the football five times in the second half for just 13 yards. The 24-year-old rookie grew up in Florida and played his college football for UCF.

His reaction to the snow?

“It was cold. Slippery,” Harvey said. “But we can’t make excuses. We’ve just got to play better.”

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Harvey’s attention turned toward teammates in the aftermath after falling one game short of the Super Bowl.

“I just feel bad for all the vets who have been in the league for a while,” Harvey said. “This is their first opportunity to get to this championship game. … Shout out to the defense. They played their butts off.”

Harvey, a second-round draft pick, hit plenty of impressive rookie milestones. He became the lead running back in early November when starter J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury. Harvey closed the season with 146 carries for 540 yards and seven touchdowns. He also logged 47 receptions for 356 yards and five TDs.

“I’m just going to do everything in my power to get better this offseason,” Harvey said. “Just get ready for next year.”

There are certainly areas for improvement.

Harvey averaged fewer than 3 yards per carry in 10 games. He dropped seven total passes over the season. Harvey must also improve at pass protection with Denver relying most on Dobbins and Tyler Badie in that role. Dobbins takes personal responsibility for Harvey’s growth.

“RJ is my rookie. So, I’ve been trying to give him feedback and all that stuff,” Dobbins said. “(The AFC championship) loss was tough, right? We weren’t successful on the ground. And I just tell them: ‘You have to just go back to the film, and don’t worry about what the outside people are saying, because they’re going to be on your butt. But you’re going to get better.’

“I’m going to help him get better even if I’m not here. He’s my rookie forever.”

The Broncos have roster decisions ahead at running back.

Dobbins expressed a desire to return next season but is due to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The Broncos can give Badie a one-year, league-minimum contract as an exclusive-rights free agent. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin is a restricted free agent after his playing time diminished in 2025.

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (28) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)

The only real certainty? The Broncos are banking on Harvey’s development into a dynamic featured running back. He’s already flashed the “Joker” skillset coveted by coach Sean Payton. Harvey is motivated by a chilling loss in the AFC title game.

“Definitely. Everybody is going to remember this game,” Harvey said. “It’s going to stick with us the whole offseason. We’ve got to learn from it and be better. … Hopefully, we’re back in this position next year.”

***

RUNNING BACK REWIND

Examining how Broncos running backs performed in 2025.

J.K. Dobbins (10 games): 153 carries, 772 yards, 4 TDs / 11 catches, 37 yards

RJ Harvey (17 games): 146 carries, 540 yards, 7 TDs / 47 catches, 356 yards, 5 TDs

Tyler Badie (16 games): 8 carries, 23 yards / 19 catches, 141 yards

Jaleel McLaughlin (8 games): 37 carries, 187 yards, 1 TD / 4 catches, 27 yards