The Denver Broncos made a historic decision in parting ways with Russell Wilson during the 2024 offseason. But the two sides will remain inextricably linked, especially when the Pro Bowler is still having polarized exchanges with his former head coach, Sean Payton.
Payton has not sugar-coated the ease with which the Broncos cut ties with Wilson despite the significant ramifications. Meanwhile, Wilson has taken the higher road.
That is, until he didn’t in a moment that recently sparked further discussion and reactions.
Russell Wilson Doubles Down on Sean Payton, Broncos
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos talks with head coach Sean Payton during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the 2025 season, Payton was asked about the Broncos facing rookie Jaxson Dart rather than Wilson, whom the New York Giants benched the week prior. Payton said that he wished the Giants had waited until after their game.
Wilson called Payton “classless” and referenced the coach’s “Bountgate” scandal from his time with the New Orleans Saints.
Asked about that response, the usually affable Wilson stood behind his remarks.
“I don’t say much; I never hardly ever say anything. I think there’s a time and place. But sometimes, you get fatigued of people talking about you,” Wilson said on “Bussin’ With The Boys” on March 3. “To me, when you’ve been in the ring, or you’ve been on the same side, or this and that, and I got the same amount of rings as you got, meaning Sean, right? And listen, I got a lot of respect for him as a play caller.
“But to take a shot, I don’t think it’s necessary, you know what I mean? Especially when I’m not even on your own team anymore. So for me, there’s a point in time where you have to [say], ‘I’ve realized I’ve stayed quiet for so long. There’s a time and place where I’m not,’ right? And so, I think that for me, I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, too. And I’ve beaten Sean, too. We’ve been on the same place and same thing. And so, it’s not a matter of disrespect. Just don’t disrespect me. That’s my big thought.”
Wilson noted that there is “always a maturation process” regarding how he could have handled the situation better. But also defended himself from the negativity around his having an office in Denver–just as he did in Seattle–or a personal parking spot, the latter of which he debunked.
He also called the end of his tenure, where the Broncos approached him about removing the injury guarantees from his contract, BS.
Wilson said he was never going to set a bad precedent for his fellow players in that regard.
Russell Wilson Flexed on Sean Payton
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to Russell Wilson #3 before a game against the Miami Dolphins.
Wilson recalled a moment during a game in which he returned to the Broncos’ sideline after throwing a touchdown to Courtland Sutton, exclaiming, “You must not know me,” and scanning the crowd, but “there’s really only one person I’m talking to in that moment.”
Payton went viral for berating Wilson on the sideline during a game in the QB’s final season with the franchise.
That moment showed there was some give-and-take on both sides.
Wilson, who spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, said that he “wouldn’t trade any” of his experiences because of the relationships that he built and the people that he encountered along the way.
Russell Wilson Reached Out to Bo Nix
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos reacts to a missed pass against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Wilson, in a fitting fashion, reached out to his Broncos predecessor, Bo Nix, following the latter’s season-ending ankle injury this past season.
“They obviously have Bo now, who’s done an amazing job. I actually texted Bo post the game that he got hurt. And then, went and stayed in touch with him a little bit,” Wilson said. “I don’t have any jealousy in my heart. That’s not how I function. It’s like, ‘Man, go shine, bro.’”
Still, Wilson acknowledged that the way his final season ended did not sit well with him.
He completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions that year. But the Broncos went 7-8, and even Wilson acknowledged that winning is the bottom line.
Russell Wilson Delivers Strong Words About Sean Payton, Broncos