Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the player and his mentor.
