The NFL was due for another catch controversy, and it came in the 2026 divisional round game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos.
It looked like Josh Allen had hit wide receiver Brandin Cooks for a huge gain in overtime, but then Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian somehow ended up with the ball, and it was ruled an interception. After a questionably short review, the call stood, and social media erupted in debate.
Many argued that Cooks had possession and was down before McMillian stripped it from him. Others argued that the Buffalo wide receiver didn't have full control on the ground and that it was correctly called. Both sides used extreme slow-mos, still shots and even AI to remove McMillian from the play to try to explain their point.
Former Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott weighed in heavily, but there wasn't a statement from the team owner, Terry Pegula, which isn't out of the ordinary.
However, Pegula's daughter, Jessica, is a world-class tennis player competing in the 2026 Australian Open. Even from Down Under, she weighed in on the controversy.
Here is more on what Pegula had to say about the controversial interception.
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Jessica Pegula reacts to Bills INT controversy
Pegula is currently competing in the 2026 Australian Open. A trend in the sport has been that the winning tennis player gets up close to a camera and celebrates by signing it. While it is likely just a film that can be removed so the camera can still be used, it looks really cool.
Typically, tennis players sign their names, but Pegula added a little extra flair to hers after her latest win. She beat Anastasia Zakharova and walked over to the camera. She signed her name as usual, but then added, "That was a catch," with a sad face.
In her first round press conference, she added about the result, "Yeah, yesterday sucked, not going to lie. I was not happy. Not a happy camper. Tough game, Tough loss. How we lost was also -- you know, it was like a stab in the heart kind of situation. It just wasn't fun, yeah."
She added that she was practicing at the time of the game, "I don't know why my coach booked practice at that time. That was his fault, but it was the only time we could get a court. I practiced with an earbud in and had the stream on my phone so I could just at least hear what was going on."
For reference, here is the controversial play that Pegula believes was a catch.
You make the call: Did #Bills WR Brandin Cooks have possession? Or is that an interception for the #Broncos? Https://t.co/LcA7DOLQqV pic.twitter.com/xW8Z3jsFQO
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 18, 2026
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Who is Jessica Pegula?
Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula. She was born on February 24, 1994, and is 31 years old.
Pegula became a professional tennis player in 2009. Entering the 2026 Australian Open, she has a career 487-271 singles record. Pegula's highest career ranking was as the No. 3 women's tennis player in the world, which she achieved in October 2022.
She is still searching for her first career singles title. Pegula made it to the 2024 U.S. Open Final, but lost to Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 7-5.
Some fans on forums are supportive of the idea that she takes over team ownership from her parents, given that she is very supportive of the team, sharing in the highs and lows as she did with her Australian Open message. However, there are currently no links or credible sources suggesting she would be interested in taking over for her parents as team owner.
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