Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's historic 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Relationship
- The quarterback joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the player and his coach.
