It seems Russell Wilson is writing his redemption story, one stellar performance at a time. In the Steelers’ thrilling 44-38 win over the Bengals, the QB torched the field with 414 passing yards, including three touchdowns. But while Wilson’s triumphs are winning headlines, Sean Payton is catching heat.

An emotional video shared by The Standard reignited discussions about Payton’s harsh treatment of Wilson in Denver. The caption read: “Russell Wilson was talked down to, ostracized, and blackballed in Denver… Pittsburgh desperately needed a reliable QB to lead the charge and Russ needed a team that wanted to support him! A match made in football heaven!” Clips showed Payton berating Wilson on the sidelines. Subsequently, fans wasted no time venting their anger online. Tom Brady‘s comments on Wilson made things more intriguing.

Brady added fuel to Wilson’s resurgence narrative on Dec 3 by naming him one of his ‘Week 13 Superstars’. Brady, never one to dish out undeserved praise, highlighted Wilson’s precision and leadership. “He had himself a day,” Brady said on FOX. Brady suggested that Wilson “looked like a point guard out there. He threw completions to 10 different Steelers receivers. That is tough to do.” This marked the first time a Steelers QB posted over 400 passing yards and three touchdowns since Ben Roethlisberger in 2018. Big Ben had actually crossed the 400 mark twice in that season. Coming to Denver, the Broncos acquired Wilson in 2022, but the partnership ended after two seasons.

Wilson cracked a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Steelers. Stepping in after their QB carousel last season. And the tenured QB is now writing his redemption arc under Mike Tomlin, who has all but praises for Wilson. Speaking about his impact and his professionalism, Mike said after the Bengals game, “It’s their level of buy-in…their day-to-day…I’m hoping the young guys see and pay attention to that.”

For now, Wilson’s focus is clear: maintaining the momentum against the Browns next week. But his former coach, Sean Payton? Fans aren’t letting him off the hook for how he treated Wilson.

Fans lash out at Sean Payton

Payton’s infamous sideline tirades in Denver have resurfaced, sparking outrage and showing just how far Wilson has come since his time under Payton’s thumb. One user, @openeyes321, wrote, “Told dudes Russ wasn’t the issue. Sean Payton is.” Another, @dubsportshub, didn’t hold back, saying, “Sean Payton is so embarrassing as a grown man. You don’t dress someone down in public. If you got something negative to say don’t say it at the dinner table. He’s a fraud.”

The video, paired with Wilson’s post-game embrace with Tomlin and the cheers of his kids from the stands, painted a stark contrast. Fans have rallied around Wilson. Some are calling Payton’s behavior “disrespectful,” and others are labeling it outright “horrific.” One fan aptly summed it up: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Others, like @relax2343, questioned Payton’s character. They wrote, “The fact Payton felt comfortable talking to a HOF QB like that will always baffle me no QB in history with his talent and resume has been disrespected as much as Wilson 🤦🏾‍♂️” Brady’s recognition of Wilson and the Steelers’ success shines a harsh spotlight on Payton’s mismanagement. Where Payton failed to uplift Wilson, Mike Tomlin is thriving.

The resurgence of “Let Russ Cook” in Pittsburgh doesn’t just highlight Wilson’s skills; it exposes a culture shift that Payton seemingly couldn’t foster. For now, the debate rages on, but one thing is clear: Russell Wilson’s career revival might be the most satisfying clapback of the NFL season.