Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer 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,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.
