Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.
