Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Comments
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied 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 change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.