Zach Wilson has shared his thoughts on his recent move from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos, describing the transition as ‘bittersweet.’
In his first conversation with reporters since April, the 24-year-old quarterback reflected on his new start in Denver. “Obviously, there’s bittersweet moments in everything,” Wilson remarked. “I miss the guys out there and everything too. But at the same time, a fresh start is good. I’m excited to attack a new challenge,” he added.
Wilson, who had a 12-21 record as a starter in New York, was traded following Aaron Rodgers’ return from an Achilles injury he sustained at the start of last season. Wilson expressed enthusiasm about playing under Coach Payton’s system, which he believes could significantly benefit his performance.
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Coach Payton spoke highly of his quarterbacks, including Wilson, rookie Bo Nix, and the more experienced Jason Stidham. “They’re all in a race to learn this system,” Payton said after a preseason practice, noting that despite the learning curve, “Man, they’re doing well.”
He humorously referred to the quarterback group as “orphaned dogs,” a comment that Wilson, a Siberian husky owner, responded to with a chuckle. “We’ve gone through it, right? You can see why,” Wilson said, recognizing the resilience needed in their roles. “It’s been three years of tough challenges. But in the end, that’s what makes you stronger and you just need somebody to believe in you and believe in yourself.”
Since Peyton Manning’s retirement after leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 victory, the team has seen a revolving door of 13 starting quarterbacks. At a recent banquet where Manning was honored for his community work, he praised Payton’s system as “extremely quarterback friendly,” a system he wished he could have played in during his career.
Manning, familiar with Stidham and Nix from their participation in his family’s passing academy, also reached out to Wilson following his trade.
Wilson, who hails from Utah where the Broncos enjoy strong support, expressed his admiration for Manning. “It’s exciting,” Wilson said. “I’ve grown up watching him and the way he plays the game, the way he attacks it every single day. And he’s a legend out here. So, hopefully, I can spend a little time picking his brain.”
