Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, responding to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, 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 recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.
