PUEBLO, Colo. >> A Denver Broncos fan said he thought he might die when he was stabbed five times outside Sports Authority Field after a game against San Diego this month.

Matt DeHerrera said one stab wound was just above his heart and all were near vital organs, the Pueblo Chieftain reported Sunday.

DeHerrera said he, his brother and a friend were backing up in the parking lot after the Dec. 12 game when their vehicle was almost hit by another. DeHerrera said he got out of the car to investigate and was stabbed.

“I was in the hospital thinking I might die. I had to be rushed into surgery,” he said.

His brother and the friend were each stabbed once. Their names have not been released.

Justin Lee Manzanares, 29, was arrested for investigation of assault. No listed phone number could be found for him.

Denver Police said they do not release victims’ names and could not confirm DeHerrera’s account. They said earlier that three people were stabbed after a near-collision in the lot and that the incident wasn’t related to Denver’s 27-20 loss to San Diego.

DeHerrera, who lives in Denver, said he spent five days in the hospital and missed work. He said he is still in pain, especially in cold weather.

“It feels like the wind just rushes through my body and it’s very painful,” he said.

DeHerrera describes himself as a diehard Denver fan and a regular tailgater, and the Dec. 12 Broncos game was his 100th.

“I love going to the games, it’s my favorite thing,” he said.

“Now it’s kind of a scary thing. I never imagined going to do something I really enjoy would result in getting stabbed,” he said.