It is easy to imagine San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw circling Week 4 on his calendar as soon as the NFL released this season's schedule. He probably had one thing in mind: Revenge.

It came sweetly for Greenlaw—maybe a little too sweetly—after the 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos, 24-14, at Levi's Stadium on Sunday. The Broncos released Greenlaw in the offseason after just one year, leading to his reunion with San Francisco.

Getting let go by Denver left a bad taste in Greenlaw's mouth. The mercurial enforcer grew angry with Broncos coach Sean Payton, claiming that he felt disrespected by the seasoned tactician. Greenlaw played only eight games with Denver due to a hamstring injury and a suspension.

After the 49ers beat the Broncos, the 29-year-old veteran made sure to rub it in Payton's face, as reported by The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov.

“Dre Greenlaw had to be held back by Fred Warner after today's game as he celebrated in front of Sean Payton. Greenlaw made it clear that today’s game against the Broncos—the team he played for last season—was personal,” wrote Meirov.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw had to be held back by Fred Warner after today's game as he celebrated in front of Sean Payton.

Greenlaw made it clear that today’s game against the Broncos—the team he played for last season—was personal.

(📽️ @Romi_Bean)pic.twitter.com/caaljYrfDK

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 5, 2026

Greenlaw's behavior earned mixed comments on X.

“Bro was hurt eight games last year, suspended for one, and didn't even learn our playbook. Hell of a game from him today, but how is it that personal?” asked @broncosnews303.

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“Gave him a three-year contract, then cut him like he is some undrafted rookie,” said @WiceMove.

“Holding a grudge would require him to actually move on first, which he clearly never did after those five games,” added @LauraDavisc0dv.

“Payton is not liked by many of his former players,” claimed @Tripify_.

“He played less than half the season with them. BE AN ADULT, SIR,” commented @sholla1979.

Greenlaw had a team-high 12 tackles against the Broncos.

The 49ers improved at 4-0 and will visit the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.