Despite Calling Sean Payton a ‘Tyrant’, 3x SB Winner Backs Broncos’ HC Amidst Russell Wilson Feud: “Cares About His Players”

All he wants to do is win! Ever since Sean Payton was acquired by the Denver Broncos from New Orleans, topsy-turvy situations continued to take place on the team now and then. During this process, the NFL world also witnessed Orange Team’s quarterback, Russell Wilson’s early exit.

Many believe that Wilson’s exit stems from his subpar performance and contractual concerns, while some also pointed out the lack of coordination between the QB and coach Payton. So, what’s the reality of Payton and his alleged feud with Wilson? Mark Schlereth revealed his perspective!

Sean Payton wanted the best for Wilson?

In a recent episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, three-time Super Bowl champion, Mark Schlereth, talked about the alleged harsh side of Sean Payton, revealing he is one of those coaches who thinks about his players.

Schlereth expressed, “I’ve known Sean for well over a decade. Can he be a tyrant? Absolutely! Can he be a jerk? Sure! Does he have the biggest ego in the building? You’re damn right! He is right and guys that have big egos that want to win multiple Super Bowls and be the first coach ever to win a Super Bowl in two different locations, don’t sabotage themselves.”

Schlereth finds it ridiculous to suggest that Payton would sabotage a player like Russell Wilson, especially considering Payton’s care and love for his players. He also recalled a conversation with Payton about game planning, where the HC emphasized putting players in the best position to win and taking responsibility if things don’t go well. Schlereth also revealed that he visited the Saints training camp, where he saw firsthand how much Payton invests in his players’ comfort and well-being, from stretching their training camp to spending all money on “air conditioners in their lockers,” “drying units for their shoulder pads,” as well as getting a walk-in hot tub, a walk in cold tub, and a cryovac area, for the players.

The former NFL guard highlighted, “You go up to the coach’s [Payton’s] office. It looks like a scene from That 70s Show. The carpet hasn’t been changed since the 70s. His office is a box. It’s like no money has been spent up there. He loves and cares about his players and to sit there and say he would actually sabotage Russell Wilson is preposterous. It’s one of the most stupid things I have ever heard.”

Moreover, Schlereth also emphasized on the point that Payton is in charge “to fix the organization, not to fix Russell Wilson. So if he can play great [it’s good]. If he can’t, we’ll move on. That’s what they did.” So, was there love and care between the QB and the coach?

Did Payton like Russell Wilson?

In December last year, “although Payton had 15 minutes and change left to play with, instead of throwing a red flag, the man threw in the towel. With his 7-6 team in the middle of a playoff chase,” leading to the team’s loss to Detroit. In the post-game conference, Sean Payton clearly mentioned that he won’t be apologizing to Russell Wilson, claiming that they had a great relationship, and there is no need to extend the talk.

But soon the benching, salary construction, and everything took place between the two. Many believed Payton does not like Wilson. Last month, during an appearance on “The Up and Adams Show,” Payton revealed that he is looking to “fall in love” with his quarterback.

With now Wilson out, it’s clear that the QB wasn’t his love for sure, as claimed by the quarterback too. And now, in this year’s draft, Payton might be looking for his quarterback.

Read more: Did Sean Payton Sabotage Russell Wilson? Former Broncos Guard Shuts Down ‘Bulls**t’ Claims