Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback 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 declared on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed 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 hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
- The team went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.
