Here’s Sean Payton apologizing for some his statements to @JarrettBell and explaining the moment got away from him, although he didn’t retract anything.@KOAColorado #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/SgezIJIUd3
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) July 28, 2023
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton created a buzz across the NFL before training camp started when he blasted ex-Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett in a spicy interview with USA TODAY‘s Jarrett Bell earlier this week.
In addition to criticizing Hackett, Payton also suggested the New York Jets could face a similar fate as the 2022 Broncos after falling into an offseason hype trap. Jets coach Robert Saleh responded on Thursday and New York offensive lineman Billy Turner wrote an eye-catching response on Instagram.
After those responses from the Jets, Payton was made available to the media following Denver’s opening day of training camp on Friday. The coach did not retract his comments, but he did express regret for making them public.
“I had one of those moments where I still had a Fox hat on and not my coaching hat on,” Payton said, referencing his work as an analyst last season. “You know, I said this to the team in the meeting yesterday … I’ve been preaching that message [of keep a low profile] and here I am, the veteran, stepping in it.
“You know, it was a learning experience for me. It was a mistake, obviously, I need a little bit more filter. … I said what I said and obviously I needed a little bit more restraint, and I regret that.”
Payton noted that he was defending quarterback Russell Wilson and explaining what happened last year and got carried away. The Broncos are set to host the Jets — and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett — in Week 5. Even after Payton’s apology, that game will be must-watch TV.
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