Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million extension.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious split between the player and his mentor.