Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' historic 33-32 win over the New York. The coach suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.
