Sean Payton: Russell Wilson's privileges were issue only because he didn't win

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New Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has come to Russell Wilson's defense, saying that no one would have complained about the quarterback's special privileges had the Broncos won the Super Bowl. Recently, it was reported that Wilson was given his own office and that his team had special access inside the Broncos' facility.

Wilson's first year in Denver was a pure disaster as the Broncos - who entered the season with Super Bowl expectations - finished the season with a 5-12 record and didn't even come near making the playoffs. The Broncos now have a new head coach and Wilson does not anymore have special privileges.

Payton on Wilson: No one would have said anything if he won the Super Bowl

“A lot was made of that, and it was just an honest answer. I know what I’m familiar with and what I’m expecting. You guys will hear me throughout this season: At some point, you guys will digest ’22, but for me and this team when we get into the offseason, I’m going to park a car with no rearview mirror, sideview mirrors.

Those will all be gone. We’ve got to get past all those difficult things. It was a tough year, and someone said it last night, they have success last [year], I don’t think the upstairs meeting room matters to anybody.

I don’t think it matters, because I didn’t see any articles from any of you prior to Week 1 or Week 2 when it was happening. That’s what happens when you lose. Everything gets looked at closely, including the coaching.

We’ll have a way of doing business, and I think it’ll be what I’m familiar with and what’s best for the players," Payton said, per Pro Football Talk. A year ago, the Broncos gave up a lot to acquire Wilson because they felt they were just a good quarterback removed from winning the Super Bowl. With Payton in town, the hope is that the Super Bowl winning coach can help Wilson rediscover his old form.