Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing 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 stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.
