Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, 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 hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.
