Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the league determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle 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 hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.