The New York Jets’ trip to Colorado to face the Denver Broncos got some preseason spice this year.
New Broncos head coach Sean Payton went out of his way to bash his predecessor, the fired Nathaniel Hackett, for doing “one of the worst coaching jobs” in NFL history.
Hackett went on to become the offensive coordinator for the Jets.
Without Aaron Rodgers, the Jets went into Mile High Stadium and defeated the Broncos, 31-21. Jets players and coaches could be seen congratulating Hackett on the win.
Jets quarterback Zach Wilson completed 19 of his 26 pass attempts for 199 yards with one interception. Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, by contrast, completed 20 of his 31 passing attempts for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He also added seven carries for 49 yards, with a long rush of 21 yards, on the ground.
After the game, cameras turned to what many expected to be a frosty handshake between Payton and Saleh.
https://twitter.com/Its_Strez/status/1711209325312545043
The NFL world was quick to react to the perceived burn by Saleh:
Go Jets https://t.co/V0i3hF38Kt
— Steven Godfrey (@38Godfrey) October 9, 2023
Sean Payton 100% deserves this treatment https://t.co/p4RGCZZ874
— ATL Will (@ATLWill_) October 9, 2023
Sean Payton Took This Job For The Money Only! He absolutely Hates Russell Wilson as Russell is a Jesus Freak Bible Thumping Phony Piece of Cat Crap! Russell bought a 40,000 Square Foot Mansion in Denver! Sean Payton does not give Two Shits about winning as he's now 1-4. Money!!! https://t.co/qXKAjVYY0t
— Viper Dante Brandolini (@DanteBrandolini) October 9, 2023
Lmao ok. That’s was legit. Nice saleh, nice. https://t.co/fA7DxpJDJE
— Ama Deisel (@amar3455) October 9, 2023
This is going to be "The Revenge Tour" for all coaches for Sean Peyton this entire season 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/pRJP6UrR6L
— Kenyatta martin (@KMartinPhotog) October 9, 2023
Not everyone thinks Saleh said “stay humble,” though. Some people contend that Saleh actually told Payton to “stay healthy,” which would certainly be less spicy.
He clearly said, "Stay healthy" and if you're hearing anything else, I'd probably get that checked out. https://t.co/Nfy182zhbT
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) October 9, 2023
Read Saleh’s lips.
He said humble, not healthy. https://t.co/5KGCXTEFxD
— Erika (@emesola) October 9, 2023
Whatever Saleh did say, it’s already clear that he got the last laugh on the day.
