San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is not the biggest fan of Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Greenlaw clearly had a chip on his shoulder as his Niners took on the Broncos Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The 29-year-old, who got cut by Denver in March, clearly had revenge on his mind during the contest.
Greenlaw made a tackle near the Broncos’ sideline early in the first quarter and had a spicy message for Payton once he got back on his feet.
🚨“You f*cked up releasing me” “I know” — Dre Greenlaw exchanges words with Broncos HC Sean Payton https://t.co/Qj9nbQgwDq
— NinersShowYo (@NinersShowYoo) October 4, 2026
The in-game exchange wasn’t enough to get the resentment out of Greenlaw’s system. Greenlaw also confronted Payton after the 49ers’ 24-14 win and had to be held back by teammate Fred Warner.
#49ers Fred Warner had to hold Dre Greenlaw back from Sean Payton after the Broncos game 👀 Via: @Romi_Bean https://t.co/DYKxpGshMV
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 5, 2026
“I mean I just haven’t talked to him in months,” Greenlaw said after the game. “Even since I was on the team. It’s just a lot.”
After spending his first six seasons with the 49ers, Greenlaw signed a three-year, $35 million contract with the Broncos last March. Greenlaw did not have the season Denver hoped for after missing the first six weeks due to a quad injury.
Greenlaw also got suspended for a game last season for threatening a referee at the end of the Broncos’ Week 7 win over the New York Giants. Greenlaw once again let his emotions get the better of him on Sunday.
