Hailee Steinfeld’s connection to the NFL has become a talking point in its own right this week, especially as her husband Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs.
While Bills Mafia eagerly anticipates whether the reigning NFL MVP can lead his team closer to the franchise’s first Super Bowl, a familiar narrative around Steinfeld has resurfaced that’s catching fans’ attention.
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Allen‘s wife, the acclaimed actress of Hawkeye and Sinners fame, has largely stayed out of the football spotlight this season, choosing to focus on her career highlights and personal life, which includes the couple’s exciting pregnancy announcement late last year.
Steinfeld and Allen tied the knot in May 2025, and the pair confirmed they are expecting their first child together in December, sharing a tender Instagram video that delighted fans across the NFL world.
Yet as Buffalo heads to Empower Field at Mile High, some fans are revisiting an old storyline about Steinfeld‘s youthful loyalties, specifically, her support for the Denver Broncos.
Photos from years ago showing her cheering for the Broncos, including one with an exuberant “HELL YEAH BRONCOS!!!! ” caption from 2016, have begun circulating online once again. That snapshot, now nearly a decade old, has been amplified by Broncos supporters on social media, playfully baiting Bills fans ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Old photos, new playoffs
While the narrative might be fun for fans of both teams, it’s important to note that Steinfeld‘s childhood allegiances don’t necessarily reflect her current loyalties.
Born and raised in Southern California, she naturally had regional ties to the Broncos before her relationship with Allen evolved into marriage. The resurfacing of these images has sparked humorous debates online, with some Broncos fans joking that they have a secret “advocate” on the other side.
Despite the playful banter, it’s highly unlikely she’ll root against her husband, especially with their first child on the way and Allen‘s season on the line.
Bills supporters have plenty of evidence regarding where her loyalties lie: she’s been spotted at games, embraced by the Bills community, and has even donned vintage team gear that resonates with Bills Mafia’s deep love for franchise history.
Fans of both the Bills and the Broncos are not just invested in the game itself but also in the personalities surrounding the teams.
In Steinfeld‘s case, she represents a relatable figure balancing her family and high-profile sports moments, all while staying connected to the NFL community.
The Broncos flashback may be more about rivalry banter than genuine allegiance. What fans will be watching this weekend is how this dynamic couple navigates big-stage football.