Broncos’ Mike McGlinchey Explains Why He ‘Couldn’t Stand’ Russell Wilson Before Joining Denver Buzz News

One of the more lucrative free agent signings this offseason came to Denver when the Broncos signed Mike McGlinchey to a five-year, $87.5 million contract. Now he’ll be paid to guard his new quarterback Russell Wilson, a guy he admitted he “couldn’t stand” when they were duking it out in the NFC West because he was playing for the San Francisco 49ers. and Wilson was still with the Seattle Seahawks.

“For the longest time, I really couldn’t stand Russell because of how many times he beat us,” McGlinchey said, via nfl.com,

McGlinchey’s Niners were just 4-17 all-time against Wilson, so it’s understandable that there was some initial disdain towards him. However, now that the two are on the same sidelines in Denver and McGlinchey gets to see Wilson up close, he is quite impressed with his new QB.

“It’s been awesome to be in the locker room with him and to mix with him now,” he said. “Russ, first and foremost, he’s a workhorse. There’s no one in the building who works harder than him. He’s addicted to the game and addicted to trying to be great. It takes a lot of people And that’s one of the reasons he’s had the success in this league that he’s had. I’m excited about what we can all do together, because I think with coach[Payton]Russ Plus, with the talent we have on this team, I think we have a really good shot at helping take The Russ to even greater heights than ever before.”

Wilson’s first season in Denver was forgettable. After the club pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, expectations were that he would be able to help the organization emerge as a championship contender. Instead, the Broncos’ season went sideways. The team went 5–12 and finished last in the AFC West, head coach Nathaniel Hackett was fired, and Wilson’s numbers left much to be desired.

Part of the reason Wilson struggled as much as he did was due to poor play along the offensive line. Denver’s Line Finishes 30th NFL Pass in security (Per Football Outsiders) and Wilson was sacked an NFL-high 55 times. With McGlinchey joining and Sean Payton now installed as head coach, Wilson will have the opportunity for a major bounce-back in 2023.