Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.
