Russell 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 Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members 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 response came after Payton made comments following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory 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 hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather 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,'" Payton commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M extension.
- The team finished 4-11 in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.
