Russell Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks

New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.

If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.