Sean Payton had plenty of history with Dre Greenlaw heading into the Denver Broncos’ Week 4 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. That history became impossible to ignore after Greenlaw confronted Payton during and after San Francisco’s 24-14 win.
Greenlaw spent the 2025 season with Denver before returning to the 49ers this year. His departure from the Broncos left him with unresolved feelings toward Payton, making Sunday’s game particularly personal.
Payton, though, did not appear interested in escalating the situation. After the game, he explained what he told 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan about Greenlaw.
“And I said this to Kyle afterwards, ‘You know, I think the world of him. I love everything about him. He plays with that emotion and so, all good.”
Article Continues BelowSean Payton says he thinks the world of Dre Greenlaw, even after Dre’s emotions during the game pic.twitter.com/Ksh9RXin73
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) October 4, 2026
For those who missed the action, Payton’s comments came after Greenlaw made his feelings clear throughout the afternoon. The linebacker celebrated a tackle by directing his attention toward the Denver sideline, and the tension continued after the final whistle.
Greenlaw later explained that his frustration came from how his time with the Broncos ended. He signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with Denver in 2025 but missed the first six games because of a quadriceps injury and the final two because of a hamstring issue.
According to Greenlaw, Payton stopped communicating with him during that season. He also said his agent, rather than Payton, informed him that Denver was releasing him.
That history fueled Greenlaw’s emotions against his former team. He told the San Francisco Chronicle that he told Payton to “get the f—- off the field” after the game.
Greenlaw backed up his emotions with his play. He led the 49ers with 12 tackles and forced a fumble as San Francisco improved to 4-0.