Russell Wilson escalates feud with Sean Payton, labels Broncos coach 'classless'

Russell Wilson called Sean Payton "classless" and referenced the bounty hunting scandal in response to the Denver Broncos coach's comments about a quarterback change. NFL Russell Wilson escalates feud with Sean Payton, labels Broncos coach 'classless' Payton coached Wilson in Denver in 2023 By Chantz Martin Fox News Published March 5, 2026 10:05pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Drew Brees reflects on the playoff version of Sean Payton | The Herd Super Bowl champion QB Drew Brees joins Colin Cowherd to reflect on his playoff moments with Sean Payton. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Russell Wilson and Sean Payton spent just one NFL season together, but tension lingered after a rocky year. And it appears the tension that built up from that tumultuous stretch continues to linger.Wilson’s interview on the "Bussin’ With the Boys" podcast, recorded before last month’s Super Bowl between Seattle and New England, recently resurfaced. In the interview, Wilson doubled down on his October comment labeling Payton "classless," saying he felt slighted by his former coach’s remarks. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos talks to quarterback Russell Wilson on the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Aug. 11, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images) "[When] you've been on the same side or this and that, and I got the same amount of rings as you got, meaning Sean, right?" said Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks as Payton did coaching for the New Orleans Saints. "I got a lot of respect for him as a play-caller, this and that, but to take a shot, I don't like. I don't think it's necessary, you know, I mean, especially when I'm not even on your own team anymore. So, for me, there's a point in time where you have to, I've realized, I've stayed quiet for so long. There's a there's a time and place where I'm not. "I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, too, and, you know, I've beaten Sean, too. You know, like we've been on the same place and the same thing. And so, it's not a matter of disrespect. Just don't disrespect me." Sean Payton and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos during an a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High Nov. 19, 2023, in Denver, Colo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images) After a rocky one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Wilson joined the New York Giants last offseason. However, he was relegated to a backup role after just three games. Rookie Jaxson Dart quickly showed promise once he had the chance to start, but his season was briefly derailed by injury. Jameis Winston — not Wilson — stepped in for Dart in a handful of games. Dart threw three touchdowns in a Week 7 matchup with the Broncos, nearly pulling off an upset in what was eventually a close loss.After the game, Payton said Dart provided a "spark" to the Giants' offense."I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago, and I said, 'We were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game,'" Payton said. The New York Giants' Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of a game Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Payton also said the Broncos would have faced less of a challenge had Wilson been under center."Classless … but not surprised," Wilson responded in a social media post. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Despite last season's struggles and chatter about his football future, Wilson does not appear ready to call it quits in 2026. "I wanna play a few more years for sure," he said. "I think, for me, I've always had the vision of getting to 40, at least. I think the game is different. Quarterbacks, we get hit. It's not, you know, we get hit hard, but … there's certain rules. I mean, back in the day when I started, bro, it was you just get [clobbered]. "I mean, so I feel like the game allows you to, you know, live a little longer, I guess. I feel healthy. I feel great. But I think, more than anything else is, do you love the game? Do you love studying? Do you love the passion for it all? Do you love the process? Do you love the practice? Do you love — everybody loves the winning part of it, but it's process. There's a journey that you got to be obsessed with. And that part I'm obsessed with." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Related Article Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: 'I know what I'm capable of' Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. Related Topics NFLDenver BroncosRussell WilsonSports Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News P