Russell Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, responding to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his debut year before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his mentor.
