San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw recorded a team-high 12 tackles against his former team as the 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 24-14 at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Greenlaw was released by Denver in March after signing a three-year, $35 million contract last season.
His time with the Broncos was limited to eight games due to injuries following his Super Bowl Achilles tear in 2025.
The 29-year-old linebacker set an intense tone early in the first quarter, flexing and shouting toward Broncos head coach Sean Payton after a tackle on running back RJ Harvey.
Payton dismissed any friction regarding the sideline exchanges after the game.
"I think the world of him," Payton said. "You know, love everything about him.
And so, he plays with that emotion so all good."
Greenlaw matched Denver's Alex Singleton for the game high in solo tackles with seven.
He also contributed to a defensive effort that contained the Broncos down the stretch.
Late Touchdown Seals the Win
In the fourth quarter, quarterback Brock Purdy connected with George Kittle on a 56-yard touchdown pass with 2:15 remaining to secure the win.
Greenlaw ran into the end zone to celebrate the score.
After screaming at midfield and celebrating with fans at the final whistle, Greenlaw addressed reporters in the locker room regarding his interaction with his former coach.
"I just pointed at him, to be honest," Greenlaw said.
Greenlaw emphasized that there was no animosity toward his former teammates on the opposite sideline.
"Man, all them players, I love all the players, every single person on the field that's over there," Greenlaw said.
"...
Everybody else that I was with out there last year for the most part, they know how I play the game.
So it's all love and respect."
49ers linebacker Fred Warner acknowledged the extra motivation his teammate brought into the contest following an injured stretch.
"There was definitely something a little extra for him this week," Warner said. "He got banged up last game.
Everybody's asking him, 'Hey you gonna be able to make it?'"
"He said, 'I wouldn't miss this one.'
He had extra emotion going into this game, I told to him just to, you know, use it wisely.
Which he did, I was proud of him."
"Played a heck of a game. He's played great all year, he'll continue to play great for us all.
I'm glad he's on our side now."
