Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made comments after Denver's historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the player and his mentor.
