Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' historic comeback win over the New York. The coach remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.
