Sean Payton tried to keep it classy after the Broncos’ loss to the 49ers, saying he thinks the world of Dre Greenlaw and “loves everything about him.” Greenlaw had no interest in matching that tone.
The San Francisco linebacker explained his sideline exchange with Payton to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, and he made it clear the message was blunt.
“I told him to get the f- off the field,” Dre Greenlaw said of his viral postgame moment with Payton. “That’s it: ‘Get the f- off the field.’”
Greenlaw’s frustration with Denver went beyond one heated moment. The Broncos moved on from him after one rough season that ended with 43 tackles in eight regular-season games. Injuries slowed him down, and he also served a one-game suspension.
According to Greenlaw, the tension had been building since Week 12 of last season. He said Payton had been cold toward him, and that the coach’s attitude made it obvious where things stood.
“He would walk by - I would walk by - and he wouldn’t even look at me because of my injury. So I just knew what it was (with him) there,” Dre Greenlaw told Branch.
Greenlaw also said the Broncos’ decision to cut him hit even harder because Payton never called him directly. He found out through his agent instead.
“The disrespect,” Greenlaw said. “He couldn’t be man to man and call my phone and say, ‘We’re going to cut you.’”
Whatever was said before the game, Greenlaw turned the moment into production on the field. He led the 49ers with 12 tackles in their 24-14 win over Denver, and he said he was “1,000 percent” more amped because of his dislike for Payton.
For Greenlaw, the night ended with a statement. For Payton, it was a breakup he seemed a lot more comfortable with.
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