Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Quarterback Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants 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 long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The team went 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
