Russell Wilson Criticizes Coach Sean Payton Calling Him Classless

In a recent social media interaction, Russell Wilson publicly criticized his former coach Sean Payton, calling him “classless.” This response came after Payton made comments following the Denver Broncos’ victory over the New York Giants. Wilson has had a tumultuous relationship with Payton during his two seasons in Denver, which included the 2023 season.
Wilson’s Response to Payton
After Denver’s win, Payton mentioned a conversation he had with Giants owner John Mara. He expressed concern about the timing of the Giants’ quarterback change from Wilson to rookie Jaxson Dart.
- Denver Broncos scored 33 points in the fourth quarter against the Giants.
- Wilson was benched after a disappointing 0-3 start in the 2023 season.
- Payton stated he was hopeful the Giants would delay their quarterback change until after their matchup.
In his post on X, Wilson remarked, “Classless… but not surprised,” while also referencing Payton’s past controversies. He used emojis and his catchphrase, #LetsRide, to punctuate his sentiments.
The Strained Relationship
The relationship between Wilson and Payton has been rocky. Payton benched Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 season, aiming to improve the team’s performance. Reports indicated that the Broncos threatened to bench Wilson earlier in the season if he did not agree to change a guarantee date in his contract.
After the season concluded, Wilson was released by the Broncos, resulting in a staggering $85 million dead cap hit, which will impact the team’s finances throughout the 2024 season.
What’s Next for Both Coaches?
The fallout from this altercation raises questions about both Wilson’s and Payton’s future in the NFL. As discussions continue, fans eagerly await further developments in this ongoing saga involving two prominent figures in professional football.