Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the league determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments after Denver's remarkable comeback win over the New York. Payton suggested that the team 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 facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the player and his mentor.