# Macdonald apologizes to Payton after comments

> Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald says his remarks about Sean Payton were unintended and he reached out to apologize
- Title: Macdonald apologizes to Payton after comments · NBC Sports
- Summary: Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald says his remarks about Sean Payton were unintended and he reached out to apologize Macdonald apologized to Payton after his…
- Keywords: mike macdonald, sean payton, seahawks, nfl, cold war, spygate, seahawks coach, sean payton coach, sports, Macdonald, apologizes, Payton
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/mike-macdonald-i-apologized-to-sean-payton-comments-werent-intended-for-public-use
- Published: 2026-09-23T19:40:36.5+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike macdonald, sean payton, seahawks, nfl, cold war, spygate, seahawks coach, sean payton coach, sports
## Apology confirmed
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said his comments about Broncos coach Sean Payton were meant to be off the record.

> It was something I didn’t intend to come out for public use
## Comments context
Macdonald recalled Payton getting upset with the Seahawks for using fan-recorded videos from Denver’s training camp.
## Cold War reference
Macdonald compared the situation to a 'Cold War' involving Spygate and a threat to sue Payton if he went public.
## Apology made
Macdonald reached out to Payton to apologize after realizing his comments were shared publicly.
## Future matchup
The two coaches will face each other again in Week 6 of the NFL season.
## Key takeaway

Macdonald apologized to Payton after his comments about using fan videos were shared publicly