Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
