Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the Giants. The coach suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos finished 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.