Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos went 4-11 in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
