Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
