Russell Reacts: 'I Came To Win A Championship!' Wilson Reveals Future Plan with Broncos
The Denver Broncos, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, are no longer the laughing stock they were a season ago. Indeed, in 2023, they remain mathematically eligible for a Wild Card spot in the AFC playoffs.
But Christmas Eve marked a major setback for the Broncos, as they lost a tight 26-23 game at home against lowly New England and dropped to 7-8 ... which slots them as the No. 11 contender for one of the seven playoff berths.
Maybe naturally, in the postgame locker room in Foxboro, conversation turned to the future of Wilson, 35, in Denver.
Wilson, the former Super Bowl QB in Seattle before he worked his way out of town in a blockbuster 2022 trade, talked of wanting to review this loss and move on to the next week.
But the big-picture issue was also broached.
“I came here to win,'' Wilson said, "and win a championship.''
Coach Sean Payton, in his first season in Denver, spoken of the game being "frustrating'' due to the "disappointing finish.'' He said his Broncos were "not good enough offensively.''
But Payton, who has conflicted and created conflict with Wilson during their time together, also said he is “proud” of the way Wilson “battled” in this outing.
Contractually, and based on his performance, the odds are Wilson remains with the Broncos going forward. (Yes, he'll carry a $35 million cap hit, but given his overall $245 million contract, there aren't many easy escape hatches.) And the QB is wise to keep pushing for this year, even though based on the standings and the math, Denver isn't likely to win the "battle'' for a Wild Card spot.
"Obviously, I love being here with these guys and these teammates,'' Wilson said. "I’m excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us"
