Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
