Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- The quarterback joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.
