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

NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments after Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.

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

Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.