Russell Wilson has no plans to call it a career anytime soon.
Just don't expect the free agent to reunite with Sean Payton on the Denver Broncos.
Wilson, in an interview prior to Super Bowl LX on the Bussin' with the Boys , addressed a situation from October of last year when he called Payton “c±ô˛ą˛ő˛ő±ô±đ˛ő˛ő” after his former coach made some comments that Wilson – and many more – viewed as a slight.
The 14-year NFL quarterback didn't soften his stance concerning the matter.
"[When] you've been on the same side or this and that and I got the same amount of rings as you got, meaning Sean, right?" said Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, as Payton did coaching for the New Orleans Saints. "I got a lot of respect for him as a play caller, this and that, but to take a shot, I don't like. I don't think it's necessary, you know, I mean, especially when I'm not even on your own team anymore. So, for me, there's a point in time where you have to, I've realized, I've stayed quiet for so long. There's a there's a time and place where I'm not.
"I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, too and you know, I've beaten Sean, too. You know, like we've been on the same place and the same thing. And so, it's not a matter of disrespect. Just don't disrespect me."
A nine-time Pro Bowler in 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Broncos ahead of the 2022 campaign and subsequently signed a massive extension. After his first season with Nathaniel Hackett went bust, Wilson and Payton, also acquired via trade to be Denver's head coach, never seemed to hit it off. Statistically, Wilson wasn't bad, throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions before he was benched for the final two games of the season and eventually released.
After spending the 2024 campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson landed with the New York Giants last season. He was eventually benched in favor of first-round pick Jaxson Dart. So, when the Giants were set to face the Broncos in Week 7, it was Dart under center in Denver rather than Wilson.
The Dart-led G-Men nearly pulled off an upset against the eventual AFC No. 1 seed, building a 26-8 lead that was squandered in a 33-32 loss. After the rally, Payton told reporters that the Giants had found a "little spark" with Dart at quarterback.
"I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago, and I said, 'We were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game.'" Payton added.
While complimenting Dart, Payton also implied his team would have an easier go facing Wilson.
Characteristically measured with his words, Wilson responded on social media with a flamethrower.
"Classless … but not surprised," Wilson . "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media."
The bounty hunting swipe was a reference to Payton's 2012 suspension for the Saints bounty scandal.
Payton later said his postgame comments were not directed at Wilson. Roughly four months later, Wilson clearly hasn't changed his view on the situation.
Now 37, Wilson maintains his love for the game, as well. He believes he can play for at least another three seasons or so.
"I wanna play a few more years for sure," he said. "I think for me, I've always had the vision of getting to 40, at least. I think the game is different. Quarterbacks, we get hit. It's not, you know, we get hit hard, but … there's certain rules. I mean, back in the day when I started, bro, it was you just get [clobbered]. I mean, so I feel like the game allows you to, you know, live a little longer, I guess. I feel healthy. I feel great. But I think more than anything else is, do you love the game? Do you love studying? Do you love the passion for it all? Do you love the process? Do you love the practice? Do you love – everybody loves the winning part of it, but it's process. There's a journey that you got to be obsessed with. And that part I'm obsessed with."
Wilson's days as a starting quarterback would seem most likely behind him, but the ever-optimistic QB believes the right situation could unlock glory days ahead.
"I think it's about being around the right people at the right time, all the glue coming together. You're seeing that with Sam Darnold. Obviously, we're here at the Super Bowl," Wilson said. "You're seeing that with Sam Darnold, you know. His situation for four or five years wasn't what he wanted it to be, and you see it with Baker Mayfield, a guy who I love watching play and compete, you know."
After the interview was taped, Darnold went on to join Wilson as the only quarterbacks to lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.
Said Wilson: "It just takes the right place at the right time."
