Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton gave a terse response Monday to New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers following the All-Pro’s demand Sunday. The drama started when Payton ran his mouth about Nathaniel Hackett in an interview that ran last week.
Payton ranted about Hackett, a former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator and current offensive coordinator with the Jets, for his pitiful coaching performance as the head coach of the Broncos last season. Payton said Hackett might have been the worst head coach in NFL history last year.
While Payton might not have been factually wrong in what he said, his decision to drag Hackett and the Broncos front office didn’t sit well with many members of the media or players who are connected to Hackett. Billy Turner backed up Hackett last week.
Rodgers did too in an interview Sunday–even after Payton publicly apologized for speaking his candid opinions to the press. Rodgers told Payton to keep Hackett’s name out of his mouth.
Sean Payton’s response when asked about Aaron Rodgers
Payton was asked about Rodgers’ comments during his press conference Monday. According to James Palmer with the NFL Network, Payton gave a four-word answer to Rodgers’ criticism:
“No. We’re past it,” Payton said.
As expected, Sean Payton asked about Aaron Rodgers comments … “No. We’re past it.”
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2023
The New York Jets play the Denver Broncos in Week 5
Except they aren’t.
The Jets and Broncos will face during Week 5 of the regular season. The emotions between the two teams will be high for that contest. We should expect four-word answers to be replaced by four-letter words for that contest.
Payton did the right thing Monday by trying to de-escalate the situation he ignited last week. Payton’s words might not have been wrong, but his decision to use them how he did has opened the new Broncos staff up to judgment.
Unravel the unfolding drama between Sean Payton and Aaron Rodgers. For more Green Bay Packers Rumors and the latest news on Aaron Rodgers, explore our site!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sean Payton do when he was suspended for a year from the NFL?
When Sean Payton was suspended from the NFL for a year in 2012, he took the opportunity to coach his son's youth football team in Texas.
Did Sean Payton apologize?
No, Sean Payton has not apologized to Hackett as promised. Hackett mentioned that Payton expressed regret during a news conference but never reached out to apologize personally. Hackett accepted the situation, saying, "It is what it is." Despite this, both parties have moved on from the incident.
