Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest criticism 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 remarks directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke 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 Coach-QB Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
