Facing off against the team you once called home? Yeah, that’s definitely a tough one! But as a player, you have to make those difficult choices, especially when there is a skeleton in the closet! And this time, the situation is even more intense, as the grudges are even stronger. Hidden tensions, heated arguments on the sidelines, and ignoring each other—that is how Russell Wilson’s journey ended with Sean Payton. The Denver Broncos HC put an end to Wilson’s tenure with the team earlier this year. But fast forward to 2024, here is what the Steelers quarterback has to say!
The Super Bowl champion said, “But most importantly, you know, we’ve got to strap on the black and gold and go in.” He also emphasized the team’s mentality to be ready to go and bring their A-game on! With the players expecting a great atmosphere of competition, Denver is all set to welcome the Steelers’ gang!
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Russell Wilson on what it will be like to return to Denver: pic.twitter.com/quht3aypTR
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 12, 2024
The Steelers‘ quarterback mentioned how he has a lot of amazing friends from the previous team. He thinks of every teammate and respects them, stating, “For me, it’s always about relationships.” However, Wilson has moved on from the past and hopes for the current team’s win!
The Black and Gold team is all set to travel to Denver for Monday’s game against the Broncos. While other players might be having all eyes on winning, Wilson might experience nostalgia. As the new rivalry brings back old memories, the QB says, “I think I’ve been able to put some cool relationships with those guys and people.”
Sean Payton and Russell Wilson face off for the first time since the fallout
Russell Wilson’s journey with the Broncos was a rollercoaster ride. With the league’s worst scoring offense in 2022, to bench the QB by the end of 2023, there was surely something off with Russell. Throughout the season, Russell struggled with a career-low completion passer rating of 66.4 and 26 TDs and 8 interceptions, which led to his benching.
Eventually, the Pro Bowl winner had to part ways with Denver. But Sean Payton’s decision to show Wilson the doors wasn’t solely because of his poor performance. It had a lot to do with the internal conflicts.
The behind-the-scenes fight came to the spotlight when the NFL passer rating leader and the Super Bowl-winning coach were seen getting into a verbal sparring match on the sidelines during the 2023 season’s last game. And that’s not all!
The player’s behavior is enough to hint at the powder keg. During Wilson’s farewell message to the Broncos, he purposely excluded Payton because of their strained relationship. Imagine thanking even the cafeteria staff, but not your coach!
With the old friends becoming new rivals, let’s see who wins Monday’s face-off. And as we wait for Monday’s match, it is yet to be seen how Sean Payton and Russell Wilson go head-to-head in Denver. So, gear up guys, because a lot of drama is coming up next week!
