Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" 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 over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the player and his coach.
