His energy always overcomes injuries.
Still, criticism persists. Some believe there is a better chance AI drives humanity into extinction than J.K. stays healthy.
My money is on Dobbins. I am more into Phish the band than Phish the scam. And who is ready to call it quits on earth anyway?
Dobbins, in so many ways, symbolizes the Broncos’ hopes and flaws. If he plays, there is no reason they cannot win Monday and defend their AFC West title.
But on another steamy September Thursday at practice, the truth remains. The Broncos’ Super Bowl dreams will last as long as Dobbins does. They need him.
He is the Splenda in the tea, the B-vitamins in the Red Bull.
The running back room is better — “We have more depth behind him now,” said center Luke Wattenberg of R.J. Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman — but if Dobbins is gone, the Broncos will be gone again too soon in the playoffs.
Let’s be honest, had Dobbins played in the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos would have knocked out the Patriots.
There is just no one like him on the roster. In the huddle. Or in the locker room.
Teammates talk about him like they are discussing skydiving or white-water rafting.
“Just having him on the field jolts the energy of everybody,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “His attitude is infectious.”
The easy narrative is that the Broncos will go as far as Bo Nix takes them. And if his surgically repaired ankle is fine, the Broncos will stand up to every challenge.
The truth is more complicated, the reality more sobering. For Nix to reach his potential, he needs a consistent run game. For Davis Webb to help Nix approach his ceiling, he needs to be able to call play-action.
The problem? The Broncos ground attack is built around a fragile star, a 27-year-old whose medical file could meet any deductible.
During camp, Dobbins pinky promised that he would log 17 regular-season games and win the rushing title. If he does, the Broncos offense will give the entire league a middle finger.
“When he gets rolling,” left guard Ben Powers said, “it is something.”
Kenneth Murray Jr. (59) of the Dallas Cowboys tackles J.K. Dobbins (27) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
The Broncos have talked for months about the importance of starting fast. In September, when coach Sean Payton owns a 4-7 record with the Broncos. And in the first and second quarters, when their early down efficiency ranked near the bottom last season.
Dobbins provides a solution. But tweaks are necessary. The Broncos would be well-served to focus on one or two blocking techniques rather than a litany of schemes that feel like raffle tickets picked out of a cap.
They must simplify upfront. And use Dobbins in a variety of ways.
Last season, the former Ohio State star averaged nine carries per game on first down, the ninth-highest in the league, according to Inside Edge. Cut that number to six. Make Dobbins less predictable, especially with Coleman ready to work.
And give Dobbins a few third downs, despite the receiving prowess of Harvey.
The Broncos are motivated to “Go The Distance,” to reach the franchise’s first Super Bowl since the 2015 season.
For that to happen, they are betting on Dobbins after flirting with signing free agent Travis Etienne Jr. In fact, had the Broncos landed Etienne — he cashed in with the Saints for well over what Denver wanted to pay him — Dobbins was heading to Jacksonville to replace him.
But if you believe Payton, he only had eyes for Dobbins. He thinks he can stay on the field. Views him as a “multiplier” with everything he brings to the team.
“I don’t try to be anything. I am just me. Me being me, that’s what comes with it. They trust me. They trust me to lead the way for the young guys and whoever needs help, to bring them along. I appreciate that from them,” Dobbins said. “It is why I say I was born to be a Bronco because everything this organization stands for I stand for.”
Can Dobbins reward Payton’s faith?
J.K. Dobbins (27) of the Denver Broncos takes the field during training camp at Broncos Park in Centennial, Colorado on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Those who watch practice every day, long after the prying eyes of the press have been dispatched following stretching, insist Dobbins looks like he did last season when he rushed for 772 yards and four touchdowns.
Actually, some believe he is poised for a better performance because of his comfort level with the offense. A year ago, he signed at the end of mandatory mini-camp, so the Broncos were unsure of what they had.
That is no longer the case. Dobbins has shown them burst and features a mean jump cut. He didn’t need exhibition snaps to show it or regain confidence in his foot.
“Do you know what happened to me my second year (in 2021)? The very last preseason game I blew my entire knee out. So I have really never been a big fan of preseason games. That injury was a nightmare, one of the hardest things I have been through,” Dobbins said. “We practice hard every single day. I go against the best defense, and I think I can get enough work that can prepare me.”
It is not a stretch to say that Monday’s outcome will be determined by who plays better between Dobbins and Chiefs’ marquee offseason addition Kenneth Walker III. Walker set the running back market with a three-year, $43 million contract after winning Super Bowl MVP honors.
He represents a huge upgrade for the Chiefs. No one was better running up the middle last season, even though questions persist on whether his patient style is a fit for the Chiefs’ scheme. And he excels as a receiver out of the backfield.
The Chiefs paid for him to be better than Dobbins. Dobbins is capable of topping him, though he refused to take the bait.
“I have love for all the running backs in the NFL. I want Walker to do well, just not this week,” Dobbins said. “My job is to run the ball well. Listen, I love to compete. I love to bring out the best in my teammates. You will see it on Monday. I am a passionate guy. You can’t cheat the game. It’s going to be good. We are going to be ready to go.”
Dobbins speaks with such enthusiasm that you want to believe him. But the question lingers.
Will he get injured? Or become a healed savior?
The answer will determine the success of the Broncos’ season. No pressure.
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