Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made comments after the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
