Mike Holmgren opens up about relationship with Broncos QB Russell Wilson

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson never played under Mike Holmgren but nevertheless sought advice from the Super Bowl champion coach when Holmgren served as a radio analyst in Seattle.

"I kind of was keeping my distance there because when he was with Seattle, I got to know him and he would text me and ask me questions," Holmgren told Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette when asked if he still communicates with Wilson. "I’m the old coach. I’ve got to be careful. You’ve got other guys coaching. Let’s keep it like that." 

The Seattle Seahawks traded Wilson to the Broncos in March 2022, and the 34-year-old signed a five-year contract extension reportedly worth up to $245M before a disastrous first season with Denver. Wilson suffered multiple injury setbacks during the campaign, largely played poorly when healthy and generated negative headlines throughout the season for his antics and his "Broncos Country, let’s ride" catchphrase. 

It's believed new head coach Sean Payton, who joined the Broncos this winter and has never worked with Wilson, could turn to backup Jarrett Stidham if the veteran struggles early on.

"I remember one of my earliest conversations with him," Holmgren added. "He wanted to sit down and talk to me when I was doing a show (at the Seahawks facility). He seemed to be very attentive. I told him, 'You’re going to be pulled in a million different directions in the league and you’ve got to learn to say no. You have to learn to focus on your football.'" 

Holmgren said he still believes in Wilson and texted the nine-time Pro Bowler shortly after the Denver-Seattle trade. Holmgren hasn't spoken with Wilson since that transaction but is convinced Payton can get the signal-caller back to his best form. 

"I expect him with Sean to get great coaching," Holmgren said. "Sean has done an excellent job. He had Drew Brees for a long time, and he knows football."