Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald Apologizes to Broncos' Sean Payton Over Viral Comments

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday that he reached out directly to Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton to apologize for comments he made that appeared in a published video and quickly drew wide attention on social media and around the league.

Macdonald did not attempt to downplay the remarks or dispute that they had been made, instead telling reporters that he took responsibility for what he said and wanted to address it directly with Payton rather than let it linger unresolved. "Lesson learned," Macdonald said, according to ESPN, characterizing the phone call as a step toward putting the episode behind both coaches.

The video had spread rapidly on Tuesday, prompting scrutiny of Macdonald's comments and questions about how the situation might affect the relationship between the two coaching staffs, particularly with the Seahawks and Broncos potentially crossing paths later in the season.

Payton, one of the more prominent figures in the NFL coaching ranks, has not yet issued extensive public comment on the apology. Macdonald, in his remarks Wednesday, framed the phone call as a personal and professional courtesy, saying he wanted to make sure Payton heard directly from him rather than through media coverage of the video.

The episode adds a brief off-field storyline to a season in which both coaches are focused on their teams' playoff positioning. Macdonald said he considered the matter closed following the conversation with Payton.