Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed 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,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
