A nine-time Pro Bowler in 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Broncos for the 2022 campaign and subsequently signed a massive extension. After his first season with Nathaniel Hackett fizzled out, Wilson and Payton, who was also traded 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 being 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 scheduled 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 AFC No. After the game, Payton told reporters that the Giants 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 this change would have happened long after our game.” Payton added.
While praising Dart, Payton also hinted that his team will have an easier time facing Wilson.
Characteristically measured by his words, Wilson responded on social media with a flamethrower.
“Strange … but not surprised,” Wilson wrote. “Didn’t realize you’re still hunting bucks 15+ years later though the media.
The running catch was a reference to Payton’s 2012 suspension over the Saints’ winning scandal.
Payton later said his postgame comments were not directed at Wilson. More than four months later, Wilson clearly hasn’t changed his mind about the situation.
Now 37, Wilson maintains his love for the game, too. He thinks he can play for at least three more seasons or so.
“I definitely want to play a few more years,” he said. “I think for me, I’ve always had a vision of getting 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 just you get [clobbered]. I mean, so I feel like the game allows you to, you know, live a little bit longer, I guess. I feel healthy. I feel great. But I think more than anything else, do you love the game? Do you love studying? Love the passion of it all? Do you love the process? Do you love exercise? Do you love – everybody loves the winning part of it, but it’s a process. It’s a journey you have to be obsessed with. And that part I’m obsessed with.”
Wilson’s days as a starting quarterback seem most likely behind him, but the ever-optimistic QB believes the right situation could open up glory days ahead.
“I think it’s about being around the right people at the right time, all the glue coming together. You see that with Sam Darnold. Obviously, we’re here in the Super Bowl,” Wilson said. “You see it with Sam Darnold, you know. His situation for four or five years wasn’t where he wanted it to be and you see it with Baker Mayfield, a guy that I love to watch play and compete, you know.”
After the interview was recorded, Darnold joined Wilson as the only quarterback to lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.
Wilson said, “It’s just taking the right place at the right time.”