Russell Wilson’s defiant three-word response to shock Broncos benching

Russell Wilson has spoken publicly for the first time since being benched by the Denver Broncos.

On Wednesday it was announced that the Broncos would start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham for Sunday's game against Los Angeles Chargers in place of Wilson. 

The decision to drop Wilson is a stunning move given what the Broncos gave up in order to obtain his services in March 2022.

The Seahawks sent Wilson to Denver in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive tackle Shelby Harris. 

The Broncos also sent two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks and one fifth-round pick for Wilson.

According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Denver has opted to bench the veteran QB to preserve their financial flexibility.

The nine-time Pro Bowler would make an additional $37 million in guaranteed money if he can't pass a physical in March.

Sitting the former Seahawk for the final two weeks of the season ensures he doesn't suffer a catastrophic injury and provides the Broncos financial flexibility if Sean Payton and the Broncos front office decide to move on from the 35-year-old quarterback in 2024. 

Just hours after the news broke, Wilson posted a cryptic message to X - formerly Twitter - which appeared to allude to the situation.

"God's got me," he wrote.

Adding: "Looking forward to what's next."

Wilson's demotion comes days after Denver's 23-26 loss to the New England Patriots.

Defeat on Christmas Day leaves Denver's hopes of reaching the playoffs hanging by a thread.

Currently 12th seed in the AFC, they have lost three of their past four games after a five-game winning streak thrust them back into the playoff chase.

In 15 starts this year, Wilson has completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

Payton said on Tuesday the Broncos offense was "not good enough" under Wilson.

"So many times, when we look at some of that stuff, it's self-inflicted problems," he told reporters. "That has to get cleaned up. That's communication. That might be having to reduce - is there too much in? Right now, we're average to below average in a lot of things offensively, and it's not good enough."

The Broncos (7-8) can still make the playoffs but require wins over the Chargers and the Raiders to have any chance of progressing.