Sean Payton reveals why Russell Wilson won’t have a Broncos logo on his helmet this summer
Sean Payton started his Broncos tenure by speaking about details. In a way, he both cut out a detail and addressed it at the same time in regard to the team's practice helmets. This summer, the team, including Russell Wilson, will be starting the year without the Broncos decal on their helmets.
Explaining the decision via Broncos Wire, Payton claimed there was no nefarious motive behind the move.
Here's how he put it:
“There’s nothing significant about that other than — it’s really just simply a functional decision of, ‘Let’s make sure we got the tape on the front with their last name.’ Then training camp will start the same way. At some point, we’ll put the logos on the helmets. It’s probably just because that’s what [I’ve] always done and it’s easier for the equipment room."
#Broncos coach Sean Payton told backup QB Ben DiNucci: 'There’s a Greeting job at Walmart' open for him after he threw a pick-6 at practice 🤣
The Broncos ownership also owns Walmart. https://t.co/hBCdPhYAOi
Sean Payton sends message to franchise players with decal removal
Overall, the answer given by Payton raises as many questions as answers. He claimed it was easier on the equipment room, but for a multi-billion dollar franchise, one would think an equipment room shouldn't need the head coach to make decisions about making things easier on him.
Video - Sean Payton: “I told Ben, ‘You know, he owns Walmart. If it doesn’t work out here, I’m sure there’s a greeting opportunity somewhere at one of his local stores.’
https://t.co/4AO6vYXh6q
Either way, regardless of the true reason, most would calculate that the act of not having the decal on the helmets sends a reminder to the players. Namely, that they aren't truly part of the team just yet. Until the ink has dried on the final 53-man roster, no one has earned a place on the team.
Perhaps it will light a fire under the team that finished under .500 for the sixth season in a row in 2022. Some would argue that it sets the stage in a much different way than the days of head coach Vic Fangio, who repeatedly cancelled practice at the end of the offseason training programs during his tenure.
It also sets a different tone than former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who had a basketball hoop placed in the team's meeting room.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Broncos Wire and H/T Sportskeeda.