NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, 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 recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.
Background of the Coach-QB Relationship
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M extension.
- The team went 4-11 in his debut year before Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.
