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Russell Wilson has Aaron Rodgers’ support.

The Jets quarterback backed Wilson after the Broncos’ star went public with how his benching played out behind closed doors.

Wilson, who was benched last week for Jarrett Stidham, claimed the team approached him after a Week 8 win over the Chiefs and gave him an ultimatum about changing the injury guarantees in his contract or getting benched.

“Russ and I have had some battles over the years,” Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “There was a great rivalry, and we couldn’t seem to beat them except for the Fail Mary game in Seattle. They couldn’t beat us in Green Bay.

“I think we have more of a common enemy based on some comments that have been said about a dear friend of mine, and then seeing this come out.”

While Wilson did not specifically name Sean Payton, many have criticized the Broncos head coach for how he has treated Wilson since taking over in Denver this season.


  Sean Payton and Russell Wilson talk on the Broncos sideline on Dec. 24, 2023. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Sean Payton and Russell Wilson talk on the Broncos sideline on Dec. 24, 2023. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

That’s where Rodgers enters.

Rodgers called out Payton for being “way out of line” after the coach slammed Jets offensive coordinator and former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett for the job he did last year in Denver.

Payton and the Broncos are 8-8 after Stidham led them to a 16-9 win over the Chargers on Sunday with Wilson serving as the backup.


  Aaron Rodgers has his own issues with Sean Payton. Getty Images Aaron Rodgers has his own issues with Sean Payton. Getty Images

  Russell Wilson (left) was benched for Jarrett Stidham. AP Russell Wilson (left) was benched for Jarrett Stidham. AP

Wilson’s NFL future appears to be elsewhere.

“My heart goes out to Russ,” Rodgers said. “Say whatever you want about him, I think he’s handled it pretty well. I definitely applaud him for speaking on it because it’s a tough situation and he basically said what he said which is pretty scandalous … It’s still crazy to threaten him if it actually happened … Kudos to Russ for handling a s–t situation.”

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