Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments after Denver's historic 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M extension.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.
