There were rumors about quarterback Russell Wilson losing the Denver Broncos locker room amid disastrous season.
The Denver Broncos were expected to contend for not just the playoffs, but for the AFC West championship. They did pull off what was a blockbuster trade for quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. Instead, the team is 3-8 on the season and have scored less than 20 points as an offense in nine of those contests.
After their most recent loss was highlighted by defensive lineman Mike Purcell yelling at Wilson on the sidelines, there were reports about the quarterback losing the locker room.
Specifically,NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said during “The Insiders” (19:20 mark) that Wilson “has lost some people in that locker room.”
Well, according to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, Wilson’s wife Ciara hosted a birthday party for her husband on Tuesday night and “it looked like about half the team was there.” It’s important to note that Klis mentions that the party was held on a player’s off day.
‘About half’ the Broncos team reportedly attended Russell Wilson’s birthday party
Going back to the Pelissero report, the insider noted that head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who very well could be one-and-done after this season, hasn’t lost the locker room. That is when Pelissero mentions that Wilson lost the locker room.
Here is what Pelissero says, h/t DNVR Sports:
“One of the things that I’ve consistently hear about it is, Nathaniel Hackett, for everything that’s gone wrong, and everything that people are saying about his job right now, he has not lost that locker room. Russ has lost some people around that team,” Pelissero said. “He has lost some people in that locker room.”
Hackett responded to the report while meeting with the media on Wednesday, calling it “gossip.” Wilson then gave his response on the report. Video comes courtesy of Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports.
“I’ve got great relationships in that locker room,” said Wilson. “So whoever’s trying to tear it down, you can’t.”
Prior to the start of this season, the Broncos signed Wilson to a massive five-year, $245 million contract extension. Through 10 games this season, Wilson has completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 2,369 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions.
There are six more games remaining on the Broncos schedule for the 2022 season. Their offseason will be worth following in terms of shakeups on the roster, coaching staff and front office.