Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his mentor.
