Rookie Bo Nix did something last year that Russell Wilson didn’t: he stood up to Sean Payton when Payton got upset about the quarterback not sticking to the play.
This exchange happened on the sideline after a deep pass intended for Tony Franklin was dropped in the end zone during Denver’s 34-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Payton mentioned that Nix changed the play, which made him unhappy. When Nix came off the field, Payton had some strong words for him, but Nix responded back just as fiercely.
“There is still a little bit of Ferris Bueller in him we are trying to get rid of,” Payton said after the game. “I love him to death. And sometimes (what you saw) is my love language.”
It was amusing that Payton called it that, since Nix didn’t share the details of their conversation.
“He turned and looked at me and said, ‘I love you,’” Nix joked, “and I said, ‘I love you’ back.”
Regarding the Ferris Bueller comment, Nix added, “Yeah, I have watched the movie. Literally, I think it explains the situation. We were out there with intensity and fire.”
In the end, whether one was right or wrong didn’t matter. Nix showed he is a leader, proving why he wears a “C” on his jersey as a rookie who has gained his teammates’ trust.
Tight end Adam Trautman, who witnessed many passionate moments between Payton and Drew Brees when they were all with the Saints, said players respect a quarterback who is just as driven as the coach.
“They are two very competitive people and they love each other, love working with each other. So, it’s not like a problem at all. It’s a very good thing,” Trautman said. “I think it is a good thing when your quarterback shows up and is fiery and all that type of stuff.”
