Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach 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.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized 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 Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his mentor.
