Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach 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 remarks directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against 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 stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.
