Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments following Denver's remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the player and his coach.
