Garrett Wilson widens rift between Jets and Broncos after responding to Sean Payton’s question
According to Jets receiver Garrett Wilson's comments after Wednesday's practice, it still appears there is a rift between the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos.
Wilson was answering a question from a Jets reporter who asked if his choice of dressing room on the touchline served purpose during a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year donned a tee, bucket hat and sunglasses during an interview with CBS.
Why should that be a big deal? Broncos coach Sean Payton established rules for Broncos starters who were eliminated early in the game. They were not allowed to conduct interviews during the game. They were not allowed to remove their uniforms or wear sunglasses. And no “Gilligan hats” (bucket hats) were allowed.
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton as players participate in drills during football training camp July 27, 2023 in Centennial, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
When asked if he was doing exactly what Payton told his players not to do, Wilson responded shyly.
“I've been advised not to talk about it,” Wilson told reporters, according to SNY. “But good question.”
Payton's comments on Denver's performance last year under Nathaniel Hackett, who now serves as the Jets' offensive coordinator, sparked some controversy among the Jets.
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After Payton called it “one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history,” Hackett stood up for himself. And Jets head coach Robert Saleh also suggested Payton crossed the finish line.
Jets players said the same thing, including Aaron Rodgers, who was defending Hackett.
“I felt it was totally inappropriate and inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches' names out of his mouth,” Rodgers said.
Even some outside of the Jets organization believe Payton crossed a line he shouldn't have crossed.
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson during the OTAs at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 9, 2023 in Florham Park, NJ (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
“Sean broke the code,” an anonymous trainer told NBC Sports' Peter King.
Payton later apologized.
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“Listen, I had one of those moments where I still had my Fox cap on and not my trainer cap,” Payton said. “I said this to the team: we had a great off-season in comparison. I preached that message, and here I am the veteran putting it into practice. For me it was a learning experience, a mistake of course.” I need a little more filters.
“I needed a little more restraint. I regret that.”
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson trains during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on July 26, 2023 in Florham Park, NJ (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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The two teams meet in the regular season on October 8 when the Jets travel to Denver.
