Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million extension.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the player and his mentor.
