Russell Wilson Escalates Feud with Broncos Coach Sean Payton

Wilson labels Payton "classless" over comments about quarterback change

Mar. 6, 2026 at 3:05am

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NFL quarterback Russell Wilson has escalated his feud with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, calling him "classless" and referencing the bounty hunting scandal from Payton's time with the New Orleans Saints. The tension stems from a rocky 2024 season when Wilson played for Payton in Pittsburgh, and Payton's recent comments about Wilson being benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart during a game against the Broncos.

Why it matters

The ongoing feud between Wilson and Payton highlights the challenges some star players face when adjusting to new coaches and systems, as well as the potential for lingering tensions even after players leave a team. It also raises questions about Payton's coaching style and whether his comments about Wilson were appropriate.

The details

In a recent podcast interview, Wilson doubled down on his October comments labeling Payton "classless," saying he felt slighted by his former coach's remarks. Payton had commented that the Broncos would have faced less of a challenge if Wilson had been under center instead of rookie Jaxson Dart, who provided a "spark" to the Giants' offense. Wilson took issue with Payton's comments, saying "Classless... but not surprised. Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media."

  • In October 2025, Wilson initially called Payton "classless".
  • The recent podcast interview where Wilson doubled down on his comments was recorded before the 2026 Super Bowl.

The players

Russell Wilson

A veteran NFL quarterback who has won a Super Bowl and played for the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants.

Sean Payton

The current head coach of the Denver Broncos, who previously coached the New Orleans Saints and was involved in a bounty hunting scandal.

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What they’re saying

“[When] 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? I got a lot of respect for him as a play-caller, this and that, but to take a shot, I don't like. I don't think it's necessary, you know, I mean, especially when I'm not even on your own team anymore.”

— Russell Wilson

“Classless... but not surprised. Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media.”

— Russell Wilson

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton highlights the challenges star players can face when adjusting to new coaches and systems, as well as the potential for lingering tensions even after players leave a team. It also raises questions about Payton's coaching style and whether his public comments about Wilson were appropriate.