Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, reacting to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made comments following Denver's historic 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured 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 locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
