Mark Kiszla

Sports columnist

Mark Kiszla

Mark Kiszla is an award-winning sports columnist who wrote for The Denver Post from the fall of 1983 to 2024. During his time at the Post, he was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year four times and was honored as a top 10 columnist in the nation by the Associated Press Sports Editors as recently as 2021.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watches the action from the sideline as his teammate Jarrett Stidham (4) started as quarterback at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 31, 2023. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, right, called in plays as the Denver Broncos take on the Los Angeles Chargers during week 17 of 2023 NFL season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Kickin’ It with Kiz: Russell Wilson’s flop proves Sean Payton is no football mastermind

January 6, 2024 at 3:25 p.m.

The flop of Russell Wilson with the Broncos reminds us a championship quarterback can make Sean Payton look smart, but for all his alleged genius, Payton can't make an average...

Sportscaster Todd Romero. (Photo provided by Melinda Romero)

Kiszla: Why longtime Denver sportscaster Todd Romero refuses to go quietly from his dismissal at Altitude

January 4, 2024 at 8:05 p.m.

Todd Romero鈥檚 time at Altitude came to a halt after the network terminated his employment following a contentious six years that included a lawsuit alleging discrimination.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) takes a break on the sidelines at Folsom Field on September 30, 2023 in Boulder. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

馃攰 Kickin it with Kiz Podcast: Can Shedeur Sanders win a Heisman Trophy? Or Nikola Jokic another MVP? Some fearless 2024 predictions.

January 4, 2024 at 8:19 a.m.

In the latest edition of the Kickin' it with Kiz podcast, sports columnist Mark Kiszla breaks down the local teams and their respective outlooks heading into 2024.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after running back Blake Corum scored a touchdown during overtime at the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Is J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. the answer for Broncos at quarterback?

January 3, 2024 at 3:51 a.m.

Denver figures to be in the quarterback market this offseason. So who's the right answer for Sean Payton? Michael Penix, Jr.? J.J. McCarthy? Somebody else?

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) looks downfield in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High Denver on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Kiszla: If “Sparky” Stidham is the answer at quarterback, Broncos are already doomed in 2024

December 31, 2023 at 8:54 p.m.

On the Sunday when they were eliminated from the NFL playoffs for the eighth season in a row, what did we learn about the Broncos during their 16-9 defeat of...

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3), left, and Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) warmup before the game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 31, 2023. The Denver Broncos take on the Los Angeles Chargers during week 17 of 2023 NFL season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

How it happened: Jarrett Stidham, defense lead Broncos to Week 17 win over Chargers

December 31, 2023 at 9:28 p.m.

Live updates, tweets, photos, analysis and more from the Denver Broncos' NFL Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on December...

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) motions first down after a keeper against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High August 26, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Kiszla: With good riddance to Mr. Let’s Ride, who can end Broncos’ long nightmare at quarterback?

December 31, 2023 at 5:48 a.m.

Broncos coach Sean Payton is betting his reputation as an offensive genius his team can be a playoff contender with quarterback Jarrett Stidham replacing Russell Wilson.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks off during the first half of the game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 24, 2023. The Denver Broncos took on the New England Patriots during week 16 of 2023 NFL season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Kickin’ It with Kiz: Is Sean Payton fibbing about threat to Russell Wilson? Or are the Broncos a totally incompetent organization?

December 30, 2023 at 5:45 a.m.

If Sean Payton sincerely wanted a spark for a playoff push, wouldn't it have been far smarter to bench Russell Wilson after the loss in Houston?

Denver Broncos Head coach Sean Payton, left, and Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talk during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High on Oct. 29, 2023 in Denver. The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 24 to 9 during week 8 of the NFL regular season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Kiszla: After throwing Russell Wilson under the bus, how long before Sean Payton loses trust of Broncos locker room?

December 27, 2023 at 9:49 p.m.

With arrogance as ugly as it is unfounded, Broncos coach Sean Payton tapped into another page Wednesday from his big jerk playbook. He took the football away from Russell Wilson,...

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) enters the field during introductions before playing the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday Dec. 24, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Why has receiver Jerry Jeudy been a bust for the Broncos?

December 26, 2023 at 4:53 p.m.

Jerry Jeudy's got a ton of talent, but the production hasn't matched. Is it on him? Sean Payton and Russell Wilson? Or some combination? And what does the future hold...

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Mark Kiszla

All Stories

Kickin’ It with Kiz: Russell Wilson’s flop proves Sean Payton is no football mastermind

Kiszla: Why longtime Denver sportscaster Todd Romero refuses to go quietly from his dismissal at Altitude

馃攰 Kickin it with Kiz Podcast: Can Shedeur Sanders win a Heisman Trophy? Or Nikola Jokic another MVP? Some fearless 2024 predictions.

Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Is J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. the answer for Broncos at quarterback?

Kiszla: If “Sparky” Stidham is the answer at quarterback, Broncos are already doomed in 2024

How it happened: Jarrett Stidham, defense lead Broncos to Week 17 win over Chargers

Kiszla: With good riddance to Mr. Let’s Ride, who can end Broncos’ long nightmare at quarterback?

Kickin’ It with Kiz: Is Sean Payton fibbing about threat to Russell Wilson? Or are the Broncos a totally incompetent organization?

Kiszla: After throwing Russell Wilson under the bus, how long before Sean Payton loses trust of Broncos locker room?

Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Why has receiver Jerry Jeudy been a bust for the Broncos?