Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' historic 33-32 win over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his debut year before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.
