Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Remarks

NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos finished 4-11 in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.