New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to recent criticism 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 pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' historic 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his mentor.
