Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton recently attempted to clarify postgame comments about quarterback Jaxson Dart, insisting they were not a veiled jab at former Broncos signal-caller Russell Wilson. However, Wilson’s swift and fiery response, invoking the infamous “Bounty-Gate” scandal, indicates that the contentious relationship between the two Super Bowl winners is far from over, offering a dramatic new chapter to an already “ugly breakup” that has deeply impacted the Broncos franchise.
The Denver Broncos’ recent thrilling 33-32 comeback victory over the New York Giants was overshadowed not just by the dramatic finish, but by comments made by head coach Sean Payton that quickly spiraled into a public feud with former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. Payton, seeking to praise Giants backup QB Jaxson Dart, implied he wished the Giants had stuck with their original starter longer, a remark widely interpreted as a dig at Wilson, who was benched for Dart after an 0-3 start this season.
On Wednesday, Payton downplayed the controversy, stating, “Look, the euphoria, the way that game unfolded, that was strictly about Dart. That was in no way shape or form anything that was directed at Russ.” He acknowledged, however, that Wilson might “perceive that” it was. This explanation, however, arrived only after Wilson had already unleashed a scathing public rebuke.
The Fiery Exchange: ‘Classless’ and ‘Bounty Hunting’
Russell Wilson, known for his carefully curated public image, broke character on Tuesday to label Payton “classless” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Wilson’s post read: “Classless… but not surprised…. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.” This pointed reference reignited memories of the infamous “Bounty-Gate” scandal, a period between 2009-2011 where Payton, then with the New Orleans Saints, was suspended for a year by the NFL for a program that rewarded players for hits on opponents with intent to injure. The accusation from Wilson suggests a deep, unresolved bitterness stemming from his time under Payton.
A History of Tension: Wilson’s Tumultuous Broncos Tenure
To understand the depth of this animosity, one must look back at Russell Wilson’s ill-fated stint with the Broncos. After a blockbuster trade from Seattle in 2022, Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million extension. His first season saw the team go 4-11. The arrival of Sean Payton in 2023, returning to coaching after a broadcasting stint, marked a turning point. Payton benched Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 season, signaling the beginning of the end for the former Super Bowl champion in Denver.
The “ugly breakup” culminated in Wilson’s release, an unprecedented move that saddled the Broncos with an NFL-record $85 million dead cap charge, spread across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This financial burden underscores the team’s desperate desire to move on from a player who was once seen as the franchise savior.
Broncos’ Quarterback Carousel Since Wilson
Following Wilson’s departure, the Broncos attempted to redefine their quarterback room. They initially replaced Wilson with Jarrett Stidham, then invested a significant draft pick, selecting Bo Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The recent Giants game highlighted the new direction, with Nix making history by becoming the first quarterback in the league’s 104-year history to run and throw for multiple touchdowns in a fourth quarter.
The controversy around Payton’s comments isn’t just about two individuals, but also reflects the immense pressure on the Broncos to justify their decisions and move forward. The narrative surrounding the quarterback position remains a central focus for the franchise and its dedicated fanbase, particularly as young talents like Nix and Dart (who played for the Giants) emerge.
Beyond the Controversy: The Greenlaw Suspension
While the Payton-Wilson spat dominated headlines, the Broncos also faced another postgame issue: the suspension of linebacker Dre Greenlaw. In his Denver debut, Greenlaw received a one-game ban for berating referee Brad Allen, a suspension that was upheld on appeal. Payton, commenting on Greenlaw’s situation, adopted a pragmatic stance, stating, “We take it, you focus on the things you can control and then you’re onto the next game.” This incident, though separate, adds to the backdrop of a Broncos team navigating both on-field challenges and off-field controversies, as reported by the Associated Press.
The lingering tension between Sean Payton and Russell Wilson serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of professional sports relationships, particularly when high expectations and significant financial investments don’t pan out. For Broncos fans, the hope is that these public spats will eventually give way to a stable and successful future, driven by their new generation of quarterbacks and a clear path forward.
