Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's historic comeback win over the New York. The coach suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the player and his mentor.
