Sean Payton follows Nathaniel Hackett shots with visit from legendarily bad Jets coach

New York Jets fans will feel like Sean Payton is taking another shot at them based on a recent visit to Denver Broncos’ training camp.

The NFL regular season hasn’t even started yet, but fans are already looking forward to Week 5 for the New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos game. Broncos head coach Sean Payton started what turned out to be a war of words after he criticized former sideline boss and current Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and took a shot at the Jets. That then led to responses from Hackett and new Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Just when it seemed like the talk died down, Jets fans may feel that Payton is taking another shot at him.

During Broncos training camp practice on Friday, former Jets head coach Adam Gase was in attendance as a special guest. For Jets fans wondering if this was done by Payton to throw some shade at the AFC East team. It’s important to note that Gase’s father-in-law is Broncos senior defensive assistant Joe Vitt.

Former Jets head coach Adam Gase visits Broncos training camp

Payton spoke about Gase’s visit, which just so happened to be his first visiting a team since he was fired by the Jets in 2021.

"“[Senior defensive assistant] Joe Vitt is his father-in-law,” Payton said, h/t ProFootballTalk. “I met Adam way back when he was coaching. I want to say even before here [as offensive coordinator in Denver]. We’ve always had a good relationship. When they had an off week, they’d come by New Orleans so his kids could see their grandfather and grandmother. I’ve known him for a long time. The success he had here — it’s been a while since he’s been here, but those guys put up great numbers. He’s now taking care of the kids, teaching, taking them to little league and golfing. It was good to see him.”"

Gase spent a lengthy amount of time in Denver as an assistant coach, starting as a wide receivers coach (2009-10), then transitioning to quarterbacks coach (2011-12), and finally becoming the offensive coordinator (2013-14).

After a three-year run as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Gase received his second opportunity to become a sideline boss, courtesy of the Jets, in 2019. The move didn’t pan out, as quarterback Sam Darnold didn’t pan out, and the team went 9-23 in his two years, including going 2-14 in 2020.

Gase’s appearance at camp will certainly cause some Jets fans to believe that it was an attempt by Payton to further the rivalry, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.