Russell Wilson Responds 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 latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million extension.
- The team finished 4-11 in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
