The relationship between former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton reached a boiling point this past regular season. Payton appeared to take a shot at his former quarterback ahead of Denver’s Week 7 matchup with the New York Giants, and Wilson did not shy away from responding publicly.
Wilson was benched by Payton during his final year in Denver before eventually being released by the franchise. The veteran head coach later suggested that the quarterback’s decline in performance was due to a lack of focus and preparation.
When Payton took another jab at Wilson ahead of the Giants game, saying he hoped to face Wilson, New York’s Week 1 starter, rather than rookie Jaxson Dart, the veteran quarterback responded on X with a fiery reply. He called Payton “classless” and referenced the coach’s infamous bounty scandal during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The 37-year-old discussed the exchange during a recent appearance on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast and explained what led him to publicly snap at his former head coach.
“I don’t say much. I hardly ever say anything. I think there’s a time and place,” said Wilson. “But sometimes you get fatigued of people talking about you."
Wilson described it as a matter of being disrespected by the coach. While he admitted he respected Payton’s play calling, the 10-time Pro Bowler made it clear he did not believe he deserved such treatment, especially when he was no longer on the team.
"I got the same amount of rings as you got," Wilson said bluntly.
The pair does have the same number of Super Bowl rings. Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a championship in 2013, while Payton guided the Saints to a title in 2009. Payton is also a two-time NFL Coach of the Year and has been coaching the Broncos since 2023.
The two spent only one season together, with Payton benching Wilson for the final two games, reportedly over a $37 million injury guarantee clause in his contract that Wilson declined to modify. That decision marked a turning point in their relationship, and the animosity between them appears to remain.