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

New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

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

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million extension.
• The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.