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It’s hard to make a logical leap and say Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton wasn’t throwing shade at former quarterback Russell Wilson with his comments following a 33-32 win over the New York Giants in Week 7. Wilson, who played for Payton on the Broncos in 2023, was benched by Giants head coach Brian Daboll in favor of rookie first round pick Jaxson Dart after 3 games. “They found a little spark with (Dart),” Payton said after the Broncos rallied to win after trailing 19-0 headed into the fourth quarter. “I was talking to (Giants owner) John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘we were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game.’ ” Probably the most unfortunate thing about Payton’s remarks were they’ve taken away from a history making rally by the Broncos as they won their fourth consecutive game to improve to 5-2. In the face of some pretty relentless criticism over the last few days, Payton tried to backtrack on Wednesday, October 22. “The euphoria, the way that game unfolded, that was strictly about Dart,” Payton told the media. “That was in no way, shape or form directed at Russ. I might be able to see how he would perceive that. But coming off that win and watching how he played. That wasn’t any intention at all.” Normally Reserved Wilson Claps Back at Payton The story of Payton’s comments only grew legs when the normally reserved Wilson decided he’d had enough of the nonsense and responded to his former head coach, referencing Payton’s one year NFL suspension for his role in “Bountygate” as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. “Classless… but not surprised….,” Wilson posted on X on October 21. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. #LetsRide” That set off a firestorm of replies, including one X user pointing out Wilson’s decision to call out Payton must represent true animosity. “Russell Wilson never even tweeted Future about his wife he hates Sean Payton so bad, X user Swish No Miss wrote on October 21. Wilson is married to singer/pop culture icon Ciara, who has a child with Grammy winning rapper Future, who has taken many, many shots at Wilson over the years. ESPN’S Michael Wilbon Rips Payton: ‘Classless Bum’ Longtime ESPN star Michael Wilbon ripped Payton over the comments about Wilson — even more so after the denial. “Sean Payton is a really, really, really good coach …. but Sean Payton behaves, too often, like a classless bum,” Wilbon said on “Pardon the Interruption” on October 22. “That’s what he behaves like … Russell Wilson’s got as many Super Bowl rings as Sean Payton. And been to one more. And Sean Payton will tell you about the Super Bowl he went to as an assistant and try take credit for that. Who do you think you are? You can’t just take shots at people. I wish Russell Wilson would have gone further.” When Wilson was with the Broncos, he accused Payton of threatening to bench him if he didn’t adjust an injury clause in the 5-year, $262.5 million contract he signed with the Broncos before the 2022 season.
