Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to 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 rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made comments after the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told Giants 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 change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
