Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.