Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Comments

New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

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

"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
• The team went 4-11 in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.