Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. The coach suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.
