Russell Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' historic 33-32 win over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle 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 returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.
