Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has clarified that his post-game comments were not intended to criticize former quarterback Russell Wilson, following Wilson’s social media response labeling the remarks as ‘classless’. Payton emphasized that his praise for New York Giants rookie Jaxson Dart was misinterpreted and not directed at Wilson.
The controversy stems from Payton’s remarks after the Broncos’ dramatic 33-32 comeback victory over the Giants on Sunday. In his post-game press conference, Payton commended the Giants for finding ‘a little spark’ with Dart but added that he had told Giants owner John Mara he hoped the quarterback change would have occurred after their matchup. This statement was seen as a potential dig at Wilson, who was benched by the Giants in favor of Dart earlier this season. The Broncos’ win featured an improbable fourth-quarter rally, scoring 33 points after trailing 19-0, with Dart throwing for 283 yards and three touchdowns but also committing a costly interception.
Wilson responded on Tuesday with a post on X, calling Payton ‘classless’ and referencing the coach’s past involvement in the Saints’ ‘Bountygate’ scandal from over a decade ago. His message included laughing emojis and the phrase ‘#LetsRide’, a catchphrase from his time with the Broncos, signaling his dismissal of the comments and hinting at unresolved tensions. Wilson’s public reaction quickly garnered attention, highlighting the lingering animosity between the two figures from their time together in Denver.
Payton addressed the situation on Wednesday, stating that he saw Wilson’s post and understood how it could be perceived as an insult. However, he insisted that his original comments were solely about Dart’s performance and the excitement of the game, with no intention to offend Wilson. ‘In the euphoria, the way that game unfolded, that was strictly about Dart,’ Payton said, adding that he has ‘a ton of respect’ for the Giants organization and that any offense was unintended.
This exchange underscores the rocky history between Payton and Wilson during Wilson’s stint with the Broncos from 2022 to 2023. Wilson was acquired in a high-profile trade but struggled under Payton, going 7-8 as a starter in 2023 before being benched with two games left in the season. He was released in March 2024, resulting in a record $85 million dead money hit for the Broncos. Previous conflicts included sideline arguments and disputes over contract guarantees, which Wilson claimed involved threats from the team, though Broncos officials denied any wrongdoing.
The incident reflects broader challenges in professional sports, where past conflicts can resurface in public forums. For Wilson, now a backup with the Giants, it marks another episode in a career filled with high-profile moves and controversies. Payton, meanwhile, continues to focus on rebuilding the Broncos, with the team aiming to build momentum after the comeback win. The public spat may have minimal immediate impact on the field but keeps their strained relationship in the spotlight.
Moving forward, both parties are likely to prioritize their current roles, with Wilson supporting Dart and the Giants, while Payton leads the Broncos through the remainder of the season. This episode serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and rivalries in the NFL, where comments made in the heat of competition can quickly escalate into personal disputes.