The strained relationship between Sean Payton and Russell Wilson remains a top story, and now NFL legend Shannon Sharpe gave his opinion on the same. The Hall of Fame tight end did not hold back on his Nightcap podcast when discussing Payton’s most recent jab at his former quarterback.
Sharpe, who has deep ties to the Broncos organization from his time playing there, slammed Payton for his handling of the situation. Payton had made comments about Wilson following the Broncos’ 33-32 comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday.
“God, y’all know I’m Bronco through and through. I like Sean Payton. I know Sean Payton”, Sharpe stated on the Nightcap podcast (1:13).
“I know Sean very well. No, you didn’t have to [say what you said]. Everybody knows how you feel about Russ [Russell Wilson]. Russ probably feel the same way, but would never say anything. I’m a little surprised Russ even responded to this”, Sharpe explained (1:26).
While many would find Wilson’s response to be out of character, Sharpe, however, defended Wilson, implying that everybody has a breaking point.
“But here’s the thing: You’re only going to be able to take so much. Because what you see is just like they keep going and keep going and keep going, and then they [say], “Oh, you weak. You weak.” So Russ responded. I don’t have a problem with Russ saying [what he said]. But Sean, come on now”, Sharpe further elaborated (1:44).
The incident escalated when Payton commended the Giants for finding “a little spark” with their new starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, who had taken over for Wilson in New York. Payton also mentioned that he had once spoken with Giants owner John Mara and confessed that he hoped Dart would end up playing instead of Wilson.
#Broncos HC Sean Payton said he recently told #Giants owner John Mara he was hoping they’d turn to Jaxson Dart at QB once their game passes.
High praise for Dart … and a little shade toward Russell Wilson.
(🎥 @SNYGiants) pic.twitter.com/kG6ltDj0Rg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2025
Russell Wilson responded to Payton’s comments, calling it “Classless”, whilst not being surprised, implying that it is characteristic of Payton to make such statements, whilst also referring to the 2009 Bounty Gate Scandal.
Classless… but not surprised….
Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. 😎😂 #LetsRide 🤣— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 21, 2025
The NFL determined that Payton, the then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, had offered players incentives for delivering hard hits on opponents, leading to Payton’s one-year suspension from the league.
How Wilson and Payton’s Partnership Faltered in the 2023 Season
Wilson arrived in Denver via trade from Seattle in 2022 and immediately signed a massive five-year, $245 million extension. The partnership began poorly with a 4-11 record in Wilson’s first season.
When Payton took over as head coach in 2023, he benched Wilson after just 15 games that season. By keeping Wilson off the roster by March 2024, the team ensured Russell wouldn’t get his guaranteed $37 million salary for 2025.
Read More:
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