Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent comments 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 press."
Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks following Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed 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 hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the player and his mentor.
