Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded players for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' historic 33-32 victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.
