Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M extension.
- The team went 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
