Ja’Quan McMillian masked his intentions at the line of scrimmage.

The Broncos cornerback made arguably the biggest play of his NFL career on Sunday with about four minutes left in regulation and a tie game, 19-19, against the Chiefs at Empower Field.

The Broncos defended third-and-long from the Kansas City 26-yard line. McMillian lined up over the slot receiver to the left of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The fourth-year nickel cornerback waited until the final moment before the snap — to blitz off the edge.

“I noticed early in the game, when (Mahomes) was snapping the ball, his hands were coming up, and the ball was coming out,” McMillian said. “So, I just timed it up. … When his hands started coming up, I started sneaking toward the edge. I just made a play.”

McMillian sacked Mahomes on the Chiefs’ final offensive play, and on the next Broncos’ possession, kicker Wil Lutz nailed a 35-yard field goal for a 22-19 victory.

“Game ball,” coach Sean Payton said when asked about McMillian. “Outstanding.”

McMillian’s heroics were not limited to the fourth quarter, either.

He sacked Mahomes in the second quarter when the Chiefs attempted a Hail Mary play before halftime. McMillian also intercepted Mahomes in the third quarter with Kansas City’s offense nearing the red zone. He became the first Broncos cornerback to record a sack and interception in a single game since Chris Harris Jr. in 2014.

“J-Mac was huge. Definitely, his number was called, and he was ready for the game,” safety Talanoa Hufanga said. “The interception in the red zone was perfect timing. Just a testament to who he is.”

McMillian also showcased resiliency after a mistake. Mahomes threw a 61-yard completion to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton in the third quarter with McMillian trailing in coverage. The Chiefs scored a touchdown just three plays later. He said: “That’s one of the plays I want back.”

McMillian turned the page and later sacked Mahomes to seal the win.

“The kid (McMillian) is an absolute stud,” cornerback Riley Moss said. “He gave up that long one and (he’s) unfazed, right? … That’s how you become a good DB. You forget about the negatives. You go out there and you continue to ball. … We’ve been seeing it. He’s like that. Finally, the ball found him, and he made his plays. Really happy for him.”

McMillian is thriving despite competition at his position.

The Broncos selected University of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the No. 20 overall pick of the NFL Draft. McMillian — undrafted in 2022 out of East Carolina — still beat out Barron for the starting nickel job after training camp.

“J-Mac is going to be J-Mac. It doesn’t matter who they bring in,” McMillian said. “I love Jahdae. He’s been a great add to the team, and he’s going to be a good player. I just do me. Keep working hard, go out there and do what I’m told to do. I never worry about the outside noise.

“Just go out there and compete the best I can.”

McMillian is outspoken about his goals for the future, including a selection to the Pro Bowl. That’s why he won’t spend much time reflecting on his journey from undrafted to making big plays for the AFC West leading Broncos (9-2).

This is only the beginning.

“I’m just working. I’m not really even realizing where I’m at,” McMillian said. “I’m just where my feet (are) and taking it day by day. One day, I’ll look back on it and review that. See how far I’ve (come). But I’m just grinding right now. It’s a lot more things I want to do and accomplish.”