Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the league determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
- The team finished 4-11 in his first season before the team brought in 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 player from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
