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

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest comments 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 notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
• The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.