Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, 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 facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
