Dre Greenlaw takes shot at Sean Payton after heated Broncos-49ers
This story raises questions about governance, accountability, and American values.
Dre Greenlaw got in Sean Payton's face, and honestly, it was the most entertaining thing at that Broncos-49ers game aside from the scoreboard. Payton has a reputation as the sharpest tongue on the sideline, but he met a guy who makes his living hitting people. Greenlaw's postgame shot was simple: Payton talks a lot for someone who hasn't had to suit up in decades.
New Republican Times Editorial Board
San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Dre Greenlaw was seen jawing at Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton in the first quarter of Sunday’s game, which ended with a 24-14 win for the 49ers. Greenlaw was showing a lot of emotion toward Payton, which seemed to stem from the linebacker’s tenure with the Broncos last season, which was a disappointment for all involved.
Greenlaw spoke with the media after Sunday’s win, and took a shot at Payton when asked about the sideline jawing. “I mean, I just haven’t talked to him in months. Even since I was on the team. So, it’s just a lot,” Greenlaw said, per KNBR.
Greenlaw and Payton’s relationship deteriorated after he wasn’t happy with his role upon returning from injury in the middle of last season. The Broncos released him after the season ended, which allowed the 29-year-old to return to San Francisco, where he spent the first six seasons of his NFL career.
The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Greenlaw subtly dissing Payton by saying they weren’t even talking when he was on the Broncos’ roster last season shows that there’s still some unresolved beef between them.
Payton also addressed the exchange with his former player postgame. “I said this to [49ers coach Kyle Shanahan] afterwards: I think the world of him,” Payton said of Greenlaw, per Zac Stevens. “Really, love everything about him.
He plays with that emotion. So, all good,” Payton added. It sounds like these two might still need to hash a few things out. Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters California Post News : Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X , YouTube , WhatsApp , LinkedIn California Post Sports Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , X California Post Opinion California Post Newsletters : Sign up here!
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New Republican Times Editorial Board
Dre Greenlaw got in Sean Payton's face, and honestly, it was the most entertaining thing at that Broncos-49ers game aside from the scoreboard. Payton has a reputation as the sharpest tongue on the sideline, but he met a guy who makes his living hitting people. Greenlaw's postgame shot was simple: Payton talks a lot for someone who hasn't had to suit up in decades.
Some context matters here. Payton is the coach who ran a bounty program that paid players to hurt opponents. He got suspended for it. So forgive us if we don't shed a tear when a 49ers linebacker gives him an earful. The smartest guy in the room can still be the most wrong person on the field. Payton earned this one.
We don't need every athlete to be a poet. And we don't need every exchange to be an apology. Football is a contact sport with loud people on purpose. If a coach wants to chirp, he should expect to get chirped back. Greenlaw didn't do anything illegal. He just refused to back down.
That's the whole story. A guy who pounds on people stood his ground against a guy who used to do some questionable pounding of his own. We'd call it a win for the player, but the National Football League may see things differently. Either way, it was real. And in this era of polished press conferences, real counts for something.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.