Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks after the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.