The Denver Broncos’ Russell Wilson Era began with such promise, lasted two disappointing seasons, and finally ended Monday.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Broncos have informed the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback he will be released. For salary purposes, the move will be made after the start of the NFL’s new year on March 13.
Wilson confirmed the news with a post on X/Twitter. The veteran began by thanking fans and the city of Denver.
“This city will always hold a special place in my heart,” Wilson wrote. “To my teammates, thank you for going to battle together and for being there through it all.”
Wilson mentioned many people in his tribute including a shout-out to “Wendy & Brandy in the cafeteria!” One person notably missing in Wilson’s farewell note, however, was head coach Sean Payton. Wilson and Payton clashed on a number of occasions the past two seasons, including on the sideline during games.
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I’m excited for what’s next,” Wilson concluded.
Thank You Broncos Country 🙏🏾 – #3 pic.twitter.com/3IoVheYVyI
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
No one expected Wilson’s Broncos run to end like this when he arrived in Denver in 2022 via a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. But the Broncos posted a 13-21 record under Wilson, and he frequently faced criticism over his attitude and conditioning, among other things. Teammates were reportedly “seething” about him late in the 2022 season.
While Wilson was markedly better in 2023, it’s still not what the Broncos or their fans had expected. He threw for 3,070 yards with 26 TDs and eight picks last season. He got benched late in the campaign for Jarrett Stidham when it became clear Wilson would not be returning in 2024.
The NFL world and Broncos fans reacted with a mix of “Thanks Russ” and “Good riddance” comments.
A really nice statement from Russell Wilson, specifically thanking the cafeteria workers and so many others in the organization. https://t.co/44rIwCL7EM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2024
Godspeed and may GOD continue to bless you & your family. https://t.co/YM20K0mepw
— Nick Ferguson (@NickFerguson_25) March 4, 2024
Thanks for everything Russ!
Unfortunately it wasn’t a good fit from the start
Some notable Russ stats from his tenure in Denver:
3.5 TD to bathrooms ratio
2 losing seasons / Christmases ruined
$85 million in Dead Cap
0 Super Bowl promises delivered #Broncos https://t.co/IvSqWqtrfx— Dante (@Therealdante98) March 4, 2024
At the pinnacle of his career with the Seahawks, @DangeRussWilson played the position as well as anyone in the league. The failure in Denver was not his fault alone. He’s still a very capable player in my opinion. https://t.co/89gyDPi4HU
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) March 4, 2024
Russel Wilson making this huge post thanking all these random people from the Broncos org and NOT including Sean Payton is really telling of how bad of a relationship those two had
You know Russ would never say it but he clearly hates Sean Payton lmao https://t.co/vbhHhOKAnA
— Chef Frank (@BallerNine9) March 4, 2024
Russ, thank you for all that you did over the last two years. You handled the hate, criticism, and punches thrown your way and you always took the high road and stayed true to you. Wish it would’ve worked out better for everybody but truly wish you luck on your next adventure https://t.co/5JJiksip7D
— Ethan Stanton (@EthanStanton) March 4, 2024
[NFL.com]
