David Gonzales-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during a game against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw at press conference after the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Following the San Francisco 49ers‘ 24-14 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, linebacker Dre Greenlaw ran up to Denver coach Sean Payton and had to be held back by teammate Fred Warner.
After the game, Payton spoke glowingly about Greenlaw, who played eight games for him and the Broncos a year ago after starting the season on the injured reserve and then facing a one game suspension.
“I said this to (49ers coach) Kyle (Shanahan) afterwards: I think the world of him,” Payton said. “I really love everything about him. He plays with that emotion. So it’s all good.”
Dre Greenlaw had even more words for Sean Payton after the game. You can see/hear Fred Warner clearly pulling him away. https://t.co/KiMd0ilh71
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) October 5, 2026
So, what caused the outburst?
Dre Greenlaw Was Furious With How Sean Payton Handled His Release
Despite signing Greenlaw to a three-year, $35 million contract prior to the 2025 season, the Broncos cut ties with him after just one year.
Not only that, but Payton wasn’t even the one who told Greenlaw that he was going to be released.
Greenlaw told the San Francisco Chronicle that his agent was the one who informed him the Broncos were letting him go.
So, what did Greenlaw intend to do or say to Payton after the game?
“I don’t even remember what I said,” he said. “I blacked out a little.”
According to Greenlaw, he and Payton hardly ever spoke during the end of his short time in Denver.
“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.”
It’s hard to blame Greenlaw for feeling aggrieved. Nobody likes being broken up with. But perhaps he should tone it down next time. The last things he needs is another suspension on his resume.