Josh Allen Addresses Viral Photo of Hailee Steinfeld Cheering Broncos

As the Buffalo Bills gear up to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round this weekend, an unexpected narrative has captured attention off the field. A decade-old photograph of Hailee Steinfeld celebrating the Broncos’ victory at Super Bowl 50 has resurfaced, prompting reactions from both fans and her husband, Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

The image, originally taken in February 2016, shows Steinfeld, then 19, exuberantly wearing a customized Broncos jersey while cheering for Denver during their 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Broncos supporters quickly circulated this nostalgic moment on social media, aiming to rile up the Bills Mafia ahead of the upcoming playoff clash.

Further complicating the situation, other throwback images of Steinfeld wearing Seattle Seahawks merchandise also emerged, which some fans attempted to use as additional ammunition against Bills fans. It is important to note that the Seahawks gear was reportedly a gift from her time opening for Meghan Trainor and did not signify any allegiance to the team.

In light of the viral resurgence of the photo, Allen was approached by CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson, who shared his reaction on social media. Allen admitted he had no prior knowledge of the photo gaining traction online, laughing it off and quipping that Steinfeld was “probably paid to be there.” He emphasized that he had no intention of discussing the matter at home, clearly making light of what could have been a contentious issue.

“He told me he had no idea it was floating around,” Wolfson tweeted, quoting Allen. “Laughed and said she was probably paid to be there. And that he definitely wasn’t going to bring it up at home.”

This humorous response from Allen has been welcomed by fans, helping to diffuse potential tensions surrounding the situation. Steinfeld has been a familiar face at Highmark Stadium and has openly supported the Bills since marrying Allen in May 2022, making any suggestion of her secretly cheering for the Broncos unlikely to be well-received by the passionate Bills fanbase.

It’s worth noting that at the time of Super Bowl 50, Allen was still in college and had yet to embark on his NFL career. Steinfeld’s attendance at the event was part of a broader celebrity engagement strategy, hinting that her support for the Broncos may not have been genuine fandom but rather a promotional appearance.

As the Bills prepare for their pivotal matchup this Sunday, January 15, 2026, against the Broncos, the focus remains on the field rather than on past photographs. Fans and players alike are eager to see how this tightly contested game will unfold, with both teams vying for a crucial win in the playoffs.

With the spotlight on the upcoming game, it’s clear that the playful banter surrounding Steinfeld’s old photo has added an entertaining subplot to an already exciting playoff atmosphere. As Allen suggested, it may be best for everyone to laugh it off and concentrate on the task at hand as the teams battle for a spot in the next round.