Connect with us

Sports

Russell Wilson escalates Sean Payton feud, weighs NFL future

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Russell Wilson and Sean Payton spent just one NFL season together, but tension lingered after a rocky year.

And it appears the tension that built up from that tumultuous stretch continues to linger.

Wilson’s interview on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, recorded before last month’s Super Bowl between Seattle and New England, recently resurfaced. 

Advertisement

In the interview, Wilson doubled down on his October comment labeling Payton “classless,” saying he felt slighted by his former coach’s remarks.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Russell Wilson and Sean Payton talk

Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos talks to quarterback Russell Wilson on the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Aug. 11, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

“[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.

Advertisement

“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.”

Russell Wilson and Sean Payton speak on field

Sean Payton and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos during an a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High Nov. 19, 2023, in Denver, Colo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

After a rocky one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Wilson joined the New York Giants last offseason. However, he was relegated to a backup role after just three games.

Rookie Jaxson Dart quickly showed promise once he had the chance to start, but his season was briefly derailed by injury. Jameis Winston — not Wilson — stepped in for Dart in a handful of games. Dart threw three touchdowns in a Week 7 matchup with the Broncos, nearly pulling off an upset in what was eventually a close loss.

After the game, Payton said Dart provided a “spark” to the Giants’ offense.

Advertisement

“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 said.

Russell Wilson attempts to throw

The New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of a game Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.  (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Payton also said the Broncos would have faced less of a challenge had Wilson been under center.

“Classless … but not surprised,” Wilson responded in a social media post. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

Despite last season’s struggles and chatter about his football future, Wilson does not appear ready to call it quits in 2026.

“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.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Related Article

Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: 'I know what I'm capable of'

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

College hoops fans react to Azzi Fudd signing latest NIL deal with Jordan Brand ahead of March Madness

Published

on

UConn guard Azzi Fudd signed an NIL deal with Jordan Brand, it was announced on Friday. The NIL deal comes on the heels of the Huskies completing their 2025-26 regular season with an unbeaten 31-0 record.

“I grew up watching what the Jumpman meant to basketball and to the culture around the game, so becoming part of the Jordan Brand family represents what I am stepping into and the greatness that I aspire to be,” Fudd said in a statement. “To wear the same logo that so many legends have worn is something I don’t take lightly.

“For me, it’s about honoring that legacy while also helping show what the next generation of women’s basketball looks like. I’m excited to keep pushing my game forward while representing Jordan Brand with pride. And I hope that I continue to inspire young girls who dream of playing at the highest level.”

When fans caught wind of Fudd’s link-up with the Jordan Brand, they had some interesting reactions.

Advertisement

“Unfathomable aura,” one tweeted.

@SoleRetriever @StorrsCentral @azzi_35 @Jumpman23 unfathomable aura

“Fudd around and find out,” another added.

“Fantastic congratulations,” a third commented.

Here are a few more reactions:

“Huge for women’s hoops + NIL. Jordan Brand picking Azzi feels inevitable—can’t wait to see what she’s rocking on-court,” one wrote.

“Yay!!! That’s sturdy,” another added.

“LFG!! Congrats Azzi!!” a user tweeted.

Fudd ended the regular season averaging 17.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.6 rebounds. She is expected to play a key role for the Huskies

ALSO READ: “I’ve lost all confidence”: College hoops analyst shares blunt take on Matt Painter’s Purdue after win over Northwestern

Advertisement

ALSO READ: Top 5 best candidates for Providence after Kim English firing rumors run rampant ft. Richard Pitino

ALSO READ: “I’m gonna fight”: Mike Rhoades makes case for himself to continue coaching at Penn State amid firing rumors

Azzi Fudd’s UConn will face Georgetown in Big East Tournament quarterfinals

NCAA Womens Basketball: UConn guard Azzi Fudd  Source: ImagnNCAA Womens Basketball: UConn guard Azzi Fudd  Source: Imagn
NCAA Womens Basketball: UConn guard Azzi Fudd Source: Imagn

Azzi Fudd’s UConn (31-0, 20-0) will face Georgetown (14-16, 6-14) in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday. The game will tip off at noon ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The Huskies own the top seed in the Big East Tournament and earned a bye in the opening two rounds. Meanwhile, Georgetown owns the No. 8 seed and beat Butler in the second round of the conference tournament.