Photo credit:LAPRESSE
Hidden grudges always come to light, whether through open rebuke or innuendo, just as Russell Wilson did with head coach Sean Payton. In his farewell message to the Denver Broncos, the quarterback even thanked the ladies in the cafeteria without any mention of the head coach.
Although there was never a public fight, Wilson and Payton's relationship was not the best behind the scenes. Although the signal-caller showed some signs of his quality under Payton's command, after the prolonged slump he went through under Nathaniel Hacket's, that was not enough to guarantee his place on the team.
Wilson's message
In a lengthy message that he posted on his X and Instagram accounts, the Super Bowl XLVIII champion with the Seattle Seahawks expressed his gratitude to the city and fans of Denver, to his teammates, to the Broncos technical staff, and even "To Wendy and Brandy in the cafeteria."
Wilson took the time to individually mention some of his teammates, such as wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Brandon Johnson, and Jerry Jeudy, tackle Garett Bolles, and running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, among others.
However, among the avalanche of thanks, there was no sign of Payton or his coaching staff. Not even offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi or quarterbacks coach Davis Webb deserved at least a mention.
Although Wilson's response to the alleged threat is unknown, Payton benched him in the season's final two weeks following back-to-back losses to the Lions and Patriots. In those last two games, second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 1-1.
The future is uncertain for Wilson. His abrupt departure from the Broncos has not allowed rumors around him to emerge, and no team has expressed interest in him. His good moments on the team prove he still has something to offer the NFL, whether as a transition quarterback or a mentor to a young talent that could arrive in this draft.