Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments 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."
Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the New York. The coach remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against 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.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
