New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson fired back at Sean Payton on social media on Tuesday, after his former coach questioned his ability over the weekend.
“Classless… but not surprised….” Wilson said of Payton X. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.”
Wilson was referencing the “Bounty Gate” scandal from 2009-11 when Payton was in charge of the New Orleans Saints. The NFL found the Saints had rewarded players for hard hits on opponents, and Payton was suspended from the league for a year.
Wilson had been angered by Payton’s comments on Sunday, after Denver’s historic 33-32 comeback win over New York. Payton said the Giants had “found a little spark” with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback and revived their offense. Payton also hinted that he had told New York owner John Mara that he would rather face Wilson than Dart.
“I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘We were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game,’” Payton said.
Wilson joined the Broncos in a trade from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245m extension. They went 4-11 in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback would not get injured. If Wilson had been on the roster by March 2024, his $37m salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Wilson was then released to put an end to the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
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