Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic 33-32 win over the New York. The coach suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" 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 facing Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago 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 Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M extension.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his coach.
