Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable comeback win over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his mentor.
