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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jon Heath

Russell Wilson seemingly slights ex-coach Sean Payton

Russell Wilson and Sean Payton don’t appear to be on great terms. 

Last week, fans and pundits read into Payton’s comments about the 2023 season as a reference to coaching Wilson. 

“That was misery, sorrow, drudgery — give me some other adjectives there — just, gah,” Payton said of 2023. “That was brutal. Let’s say that.”

Wilson seemingly clapped back this week during an interview on the Pat McAfee Show. 

“I’ve been fortunate to play for two really special coaches in terms of men and how they think and how they process the game,” Wilson told McAfee. “Obviously in Coach Pete Carroll and Coach Mike Tomlin are really unique individuals in how they lead and motivate. I think they’re culture builders.”

No mention of Payton, which isn’t too surprising given that Payton benched Wilson with two games remaining in the 2023 season. 

After being released by Payton last spring, Wilson is still scheduled to have a $32 million salary cap hit in Denver this fall. The quarterback will finally be off the team’s books in 2026. Meanwhile, Wilson is set to become a free agent in March.

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