The Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup in Week 2 of the 2024 season. This game has a lot riding on it. Especially for Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton and former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, now with the Steelers. According to Nick Wright, this game is a “must-win” for both Payton.

The tension between Wilson and Payton has been brewing since Wilson departed from the Broncos. Payton benched Wilson for the last two games of the 2023 season, and the two never seemed to see eye to eye. This action caused the team to release Wilson and take an $85 million hit in dead money over the next two seasons.

Nick Wright, Kevin Wildes, Chris Broussard, and Danny Parkins discussed the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos contest on the First Things First podcast. Talking about the importance of the match for Payton and Russell, Nick said, “First of all I’m not even sure Russell Wilson’s gonna be playing in this game he’s likely playing in this game but he might not win that starting job that there’s going to be a competition.”

Chris Broussard said, “This is the double must-win. They both must win.” Replying to Chris, Danny Parkins said that the game is essential for Russell to win more.

Nick further added, “On the other hand Sean Payton already had an early season must-win against New York Jets and got lost that game because of a Russell Wilson fumble he now has to get revenge on Russell Wilson for the previous must-win that he lost.” Nick Wright’s comment suggests uncertainty about Russell Wilson’s role in the upcoming game and the stained relationship between Payton and Wilson.

A veteran AFC personnel executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “Sean never liked him as the guy from Day 1 and went out of his way to make that known.” Payton was seen ripping into Wilson on the sideline during a game in Detroit last season as per ESPN.

However, as per the report, one of Russell’s new teammates with the Steelers dismissed the negative narrative surrounding Wilson’s personality after he left the Broncos. 

Russell’s fellow Steeler teammate takes a stand for Wilson

Wilson’s teammate emphasized that Wilson has been consistently respectful and genuine since joining the Steelers.“Dude, I love Russ,” said defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko in an interview with Gabe Kuhns of 92.7 FM. Fehoko shared his positive experiences with Wilson. Saying that he even joked with Wilson about not getting a follow back on Instagram before, which led to an apology from Wilson. 

Fehoko said, “And he does it for everybody—whether you’re a guy that’s new here, whether you’re a guy that’s been here. Every new person that’s come through that locker room, I’ve seen Russ go up to them and introduce himself. ‘Hey, I’m Russell Wilson,’ like, I know who you are, bro! You’re Russell Wilson.”

His comments provide a contrasting perspective to the reports that have painted Wilson in a less favorable light. These reports suggested that Wilson’s time with the Broncos ended on a sour note partly because of his behavior and interactions with teammates.