ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Michael Bandy is a 5-foot-10 dynamo who once gave up football for rugby, was cut nine times as a pro and waited five NFL seasons to reach the end zone.
A former FCS star at San Diego, Bandy ran an underneath crossing route, hauled in Bo Nix's pass and turned up the sideline to scoot into the end zone, igniting the Denver Broncos' 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers last weekend.
So, what was it like to finally hit pay dirt at age 28?
“I can honestly say I don't really remember, like I blacked out,” Bandy said. “It was just so much emotion. I've been in the league five years now and it's been a while since I've scored a touchdown, since college.”
Bandy had to watch the replay on his phone.
“So, I couldn't tell you exactly what it feels like,” he said, “but it was every emotion and it was pretty cool.”
Nix and wide receiver Courtland Sutton were so excited for Bandy that they chased him into the end zone. Both halted and made a beeline for the ball that Bandy had dropped as he stomped across the orange-painted end zone, roaring as much as any fan.
“Yeah, we were able to get the football. Courtland and Bo grabbed it and brought it to me, which was pretty cool,” Bandy said of the memento, now safely back home.
With rookie Pat Bryant (hamstring) ruled out, the Broncos needed to elevate a wide receiver from their practice squad in Week 15 and it was somewhat surprising it was Bandy and not new acquisition Elijah Moore.
After Marvin Mims Jr. went to the sideline with a stinger early in the game, Bandy got his chance and made the most of it.
“It was supposed to be Mims' play,” coach Sean Payton said. “There was a minute when he was out, and so Bandy jumped in because he knows every position and ends up catching Mims’ touchdown.”
Bandy, who carries 190 pounds on his compact frame, said the only way he's been able to keep his NFL dream alive is to be versatile: “That's the easiest way to get on the field is just knowing what to do at all the different spots. The more you can do, the better.”
Payton took pride in seeing Bandy score his first touchdown.
“He's played five years in this league. He’s been in 12 games,” Payton said. “Each week, I say to the offensive guys, ‘We have to find a way to get him up.’ He does so many things well, and that was his first touchdown. That was pretty cool to see because his journey is different. ...
“Five years is a long time. He embraces the role, and like I said, he can go in at any position and not flinch. That’s not easy considering all the formations and plays we have.”
Nix called Bandy's score special.
“I think that was awesome for several reasons,” he said. “Mike has not necessarily had the easiest road to the NFL. He hasn’t had the most opportunities to have a situation like that, but I think it goes to show that with a little bit of grit, a little bit of determination, you can do what you put your mind to.”
What made Nix and the rest of Bandy's teammates so excited for him was knowing how hard to works at practice and on the scout team.
“For Michael, it’s just awesome to see. I know he’s had a very long road, a lot of ups and a lot of downs, a lot of times unfortunately getting cut and then having to fight his way back out. He just continues to do it with a smile on his face, has a great attitude,” Nix said. “I think every team needs a Bandy, and I think we have the best one.”
The Broncos (12-2), who host Jacksonville (10-4) on Sunday, activated G Ben Powers (biceps) from injured reserve to their 53-man roster Saturday. Powers started 39 consecutive games for Denver before he was injured in Week 5 at Philadelphia. The Broncos also elevated QB Sam Ehlinger and S Delarrin Turner-Yell from their practice squad and signed G Calvin Throckmorton to the practice squad after he was waived earlier this week.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Denver Broncos' Michael Bandy celebratesw his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos' Bo Nix celebrates after throwing a touchdown to Michael Bandy during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 14, 2026--
White Castle is kicking off a new year of value beginning Sept. 15 with the launch of Craver Nation Rewards Season 3. This follows a winning Season 2 — spanning Sept. 2025 to Sept. 2026 — which delivered $5.1 million in savings to members through exclusive deals and offers.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260914958590/en/
Season 3 of Craver Nation Rewards, White Castle’s free-to-join customer loyalty program, brings new Quests, rewards and opportunities to level up, along with special offers throughout the year. To celebrate the launch, members can unlock 25% off one mobile order and earn double points on their first purchase between Sept. 15 and Sept. 30. Members will also receive 10% off purchases at HouseofCrave.com, White Castle’s exclusive online storefront, through Sept. 30.
“White Castle has been committed to real value since day one,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “As we kick off Season 3 of Craver Nation Rewards, we’re giving Cravers even more ways to unlock deals, rewards and memorable moments, because feeding the Crave should never break the bank.”
Cravers saved big in Season 2
Craver Nation Rewards members made the most of their membership during Season 2, saving a combined $5.1 million through rewards, deals and exclusive offers.
Over the past year:
A fresh season of rewards
Season 3 launches Sept. 15, giving every Craver Nation Rewards member a fresh opportunity to climb from Adventurer to Champion and ultimately Legend status while taking on new Quests and earning rewards along the way. Every badge members earn is theirs to keep.
New members can also start their Craver Nation Rewards journey with $5 off their first Mobile Order of $8 or more. The welcome offer is valid for 30 days after joining.
Beyond the Season 3 kickoff offers, Craver Nation Rewards members can look forward to exclusive deals throughout the fall, including:
“To the Cravers who have been on this journey through Season 1 and Season 2, we thank you,” said Richardson. “And whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are joining Craver Nation for the first time, Season 3 brings even more ways to save, earn and feed your Crave.”
The deals don’t stop there!
In addition to the Craver Nation Rewards deals, White Castle is celebrating lovers of chicken rings, cheeseburgers and desserts with offers available to all customers who order in Castles and online. Running from Sept. 14 through Nov. 1, customers coming to the Castle can purchase a 12-piece Chicken Rings for just $4.99. From Sept. 18 through Sept. 21, customers placing orders online can use the code BOGOCHEESE to get a BOGO Cheese Slider. In October, from the 14 th through the 19 th, customers placing orders only can get a free Dessert-on-a-Stick with any combo purchase, simply by entering the code DESSERT.
About White Castle ®
White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 336 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider ® ) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work ® Certification™ for an extraordinary six consecutive years spanning 2021–2027. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.
Editor’s Note: Download imageshere.
The Craver Nation Rewards app tracks a member's Season 3 journey — climbing from Adventurer toward Champion status while earning Points — alongside a $5 off Mobile Order offer, one of the perks available through White Castle's free loyalty program.
