Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks after the Broncos' remarkable comeback 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 facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
