Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Recent Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.
