Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made comments following Denver's remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
