Following the Denver Broncos' huge Week 7 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton made some comments that caught the eyes and ears of many.
Payton, when addressing the media, spoke about talking to Giants owner John Mara and how "we were hoping that change would have been made long after our game" in reference to the Giants making the switch to Jaxson Dart as their starting quarterback.
Those listening quickly took note of this and assumed it was a shot at former Broncos quarterback and current Giants backup quarterback, Russell Wilson.
Whether it was or not is anyone's guess, but former NFL player Ryan Clark sure felt it was following the tweet that Wilson sent out on Tuesday, taking aim at Payton.
Classless… but not surprised….
Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. 😎😂 #LetsRide 🤣
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 21, 2025
It was always the popular belief that Payton and Wilson did not care much for one another during their time together in Denver. While it's a bit surprising to see Russ respond to Payton, it should stop there for the Broncos head coach.
There is no doubt that the media will ask him about this throughout the week, looking to get him to take another shot at Wilson. The media loves a good public spat and a war of words. But what is it going to accomplish?
The Broncos have won four games in a row and are leading the AFC West. They have a big home game coming up against the Dallas Cowboys, and that is where Payton's focus needs to be. He may be seen as classless and unprofessional by many, but he's not in the position that he's in to make friends or gain the public's approval. He was hired to help turn around a once proud franchise and he is doing that.
READ: Bo Nix did something no player in NFL history has ever done in Week 7
Meanwhile, Wilson is a backup quarterback who has struggled in almost every situation he has been in this season. He is no longer a concern for the Broncos. He's had a terrific career that feels like it's on its last legs, so Payton should provide no more fuel to that fire.
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