Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. Payton remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
