Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' historic 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
