Russell Wilson escalates Sean Payton feud, weighs NFL future

Russell Wilson and Sean Payton spent just one NFL season together, but the tension remained after a difficult year.

And it seems that the tensions arising from this turbulent period still remain.

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 said he felt slighted by his former coach’s words, amplifying his October comment calling Payton “classless.”

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“[When] “You were on the same side, you were on this side or that side, and I got the same number of rings as you, Sean, right?” said Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks as Payton coached the New Orleans Saints. he said.

“I have a lot of respect for him as a point guard, one way or another, but I don’t like shooting. I don’t think it’s necessary, I mean, especially when I’m not even on your team anymore. So for me, there’s a point in time where you have to do that, I realized, I’ve been quiet for too long. There’s a time and a place where I’m not.

“I know who I am as a competitor, as a fighter, as a champion, and you know, I beat Sean, too. You know, like we’re in the same place and the same situation. And it’s not a disrespect thing. Just don’t disrespect me.”

Sean Payton and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High on November 19, 2023 in Denver, Colo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

After a solid year with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Wilson joined the New York Giants last summer. However, after just three matches he was moved to a reserve role.

Rookie Jaxson Dart quickly showed promise when he got the chance to start, but his season was briefly derailed by injury. Dart was replaced by Jameis Winston (not Wilson) for a few games. Dart threw three touchdown passes in a Week 7 matchup with the Broncos and nearly pulled off an upset that ultimately ended in a close loss.

After the game, Payton said Dart provided a “spark” to the Giants’ offense.

“I was talking [Giants owner] It wasn’t that long ago that John Mara happened, and I said, ‘We were hoping for this change to happen long after our game,'” Payton said.

New York Giants’ Russell Wilson tries to avoid a sack by Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston (53) during the first half of a game on September 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Payton also said the Broncos would have faced fewer challenges if Wilson had been at center.

“Classless, but I’m not surprised,” Wilson said in a social media post. “I didn’t realize you were still bounty hunting after more than 15 years, despite the media coverage.”

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Despite last season’s struggles and talk about the future of football, Wilson doesn’t appear ready to retire from football in 2026.

“Of course I’d like to play for a few more years,” he said. “I think there was always a vision for me to at least get to 40. I think the game is different. Quarterbacks, we get hit. You know, we don’t get hit hard, but… there are certain rules. I mean, the day I started, bro, you were just hitting. [clobbered].

“I mean, I think the game allows you to live a little bit longer. I feel healthy. I feel great. But I think, do you love the game more than anything? Do you love the study? Do you love the passion for everything? Do you love the process? Do you love the execution? Do you love; everyone loves the winning part of it, but it’s a process. There’s a journey that you have to be obsessed with. And I’m obsessed with that part, too.”

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