NFL-phobic types might’ve read NPR’s account of a predictable bet between the Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (“when Baltimore won in overtime Saturday, it was disaster for Hancock, who must now dance like Ray Lewis. The soon-to-retire Baltimore star does an awkward but enthusiastic sideline dance before games”) Temporarily, at least, it seems Hancock has dodged a bullet, as the Denver Post’s Ryan Parker details

The mayor’s spokeswoman Amber Miller joked that he was hurt “during pre-game warm-ups.” Hancock is “expected to be on the field in the second half, ready to carry out the game plan and fulfill his end of the wager.”

In fact, Hancock was at the Citizen of the West dinner at the National Western Stock Show Monday night when he caught his boot and seriously strained his right quadriceps, Miller explained later on Tuesday. “Our mayor is headed to the doctor now to find out when he will make a recovery and be able to fulfill his bet with Baltimore.”

Had the Broncos prevailed, Rawlings-Blake said the Washington Monument would be lit in blue and orange Broncos colors.