WATCH: Broncos HC Sean Payton coldly thanks the media for wishing him ‘Happy Birthday’ even though media forget to do so amid Russell Wilson drama

Broncos head coach Sean Payton turned 60 on Friday.

WATCH: Broncos HC Sean Payton coldly thanks the media for wishing him ‘Happy Birthday’ even though media forget to do so amid Russell Wilson drama

Sean Payton had jokes on his birthday (Images via Zac Stevens/ X)

The Denver Broncos‘ head coach Sean Payton is going through a lot as he is currently in the middle of a huge controversy regarding the benching of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Amidst the chaos, Payton ended the Friday press conference by reminding everyone that it was his birthday.

On Friday, Sean Payton addressed the media during the pregame press conference ahead of their crucial week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. After the interview, Payton coldly reminded the media that they failed to wish him on his 60th birthday.

Thanks for wishing me a happy birthday
Payton said before walking out of the podium

And it was not in a joking way either. Payton — who turned 60 on Friday — uttered the words on the mic before quickly leaving the podium. Reporters might’ve forgotten to wish the 60-year-old on his birthday, but his team didn’t. The Broncos defensive Kareem Jackson told reporters that he and his teammates wished Payton after the team meeting.

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However, he also admitted that he didn’t know it was Payton’s birthday and only came to know about it after Paul Kelly, the assistant to the head coach, reminded him before the team meeting. He also joked that he “had to put the 60 in there” while wishing his head coach.

Sean Payton explains his decision to bench Russell Wilson

As previously mentioned, Sean Payton’s Broncos will play the next two regular season games with his backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham instead of his franchise quarterback Russell Wilson. Payton claimed that he needed to see some spark in his offensive unit and he believes Stidham can give his team the much-needed spark.

Russell Wilson Broncos
Russell Wilson (Image via SI)
We need a spark. We need something right now. I’m hopeful it gives us a spark. I’m hopeful that we do some other things better. And it’s not just going to be on him. The O-line, the receivers, the running backs, those guys are going to have to play well. That’ll be important.
Payton told reporters

However, people aren’t buying his reasoning, especially after Russell Wilson himself admitted that the Broncos management threatened to bench him if he didn’t waive his $37 million injury guarantee in his contract.

Nonetheless, the Broncos will now play under Stidham instead of Wilson. They are scheduled to go against the Los Angeles Chargers in their week 17 matchup this weekend. The Broncos still have a shot at securing a playoff spot, so they will be looking to secure a victory against the deflated Chargers.

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