Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking 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 Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
- The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious split between the player and his coach.
