Russell Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. The coach suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing 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 well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the player and his mentor.
