Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.
