Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton addressed his recent confrontation with Russell Wilson, and tried to distance himself from the entire situation.
Payton on Wednesday claimed he never meant to throw shade at Wilson while praising New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, and suggested he simply got caught up in praise after a dramatic comeback win.
“That was strictly about Dart. That was in no way, shape or form anything that was directed at Russ,” Payton said Wednesday. “I might be able to see how he would perceive that. But coming off that win, watching how he played, that wasn’t any intention at all.”
Broncos coach Sean Payton on his comment said he was just talking about Jaxson Dart and it wasn’t shade to Russell Wilson pic.twitter.com/Szo19h9TCs
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 22, 2025
Payton said after Sunday’s 33-32 win that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he wished New York had waited to bench Wilson for Dart until after their matchup. Many people, including Wilson himself, viewed this as Payton bashing his former quarterback.
Perhaps Payton really was just trying to compliment Dart. Given his history with Wilson, however, that comment was bound to be taken as a shot at Wilson. The two did not get along in Denver, and Wilson clearly still holds a low opinion of Payton.
