Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' remarkable comeback win over the Giants. The coach suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the player and his mentor.
