Broncos All-Pro Updates How Sean Payton, Russ Wilson Are Getting Along

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton will reach the 60-year-old milestone this December, but you wouldn't really know it. Working in the high-pressure NFL business, one where only Tom Brady seems to age in reverse, frequently leads to thinning hair and wrinkles under the eyes.

Many in the football business work such long hours that premature aging turns to complete burnout the longer they choose to battle on. Payton was savvy enough to call time-out on his slide toward total exhaustion following the 2021 season, but after taking a year off, he appears relaxed and at peace with himself again as he embarks on a new challenge in Denver.

Helping Payton in his mission will be star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who will provide the youthful backbone to anchor the Broncos' defense in 2023. When the 23-year-old All-Pro appeared on the Up and Adams Podcast, he was predictably back to batting off questions about how the dynamic between Payton and Russell Wilson is shaping up.

“I think they are getting on well. Obviously, they are two different personalities,” Surtain told Adams. “Russ is more enthused, he’s more to himself, but also, he’s a very strong leader at work and he works hard as well too. But, I just think they gel well. They both know the game very well. I think Sean may offer him what he sees on the field and Russ will teach him some things on the field to as well too. I just think they will combine and gel well.”

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Whether it's enjoying a basketball game with veteran players like Tim Patrick and Wilson, or coaching them hard, Payton has always excelled by connecting with his players on a personal level. Payton’s natural swag means that, despite the gulf in generations between older coach and players, he has traditionally never appeared irrelevant or out of touch with his locker room.

“He talks the talk as well,” Surtain said of Payton. “Once you go in and meet him and talk with him, you can understand why he’s one of the best coaches—just by his personality. So, he acts just like us as kids, but in a good way, in a positive way. He’s a great coach, in general, all around, but his personality speaks volumes.”

It's certainly not unusual for head coaches to want to get on a level with their players, but the real art is how best to maintain respect and discipline — all while keeping the game still fun. Much was made of Payton’s early power play to rid Broncos HQ of Wilson’s personal entourage, but the initial feeling is the pair certainly appear to be on good terms out of the gates.

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