Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Quarterback Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic 33-32 win over the New York. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of 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 commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
