Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s recent postgame comments about New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart have sparked a public feud with the Giants’ veteran star, Russell Wilson. Wilson, a former Broncos quarterback, took to social media to condemn Payton’s remarks, calling the coach ‘classless’ in a now-deleted post on X. The incident has reignited the tension between two NFL icons with a shared history of on-field and off-field conflicts.
Payton, who previously coached the New Orleans Saints, faced a major NFL scandal in 2012 when his team was found guilty of targeting players with bounties, leading to his temporary suspension. Wilson’s accusation that Payton is still ‘bounty hunting’ through the media is a direct reference to that scandal, highlighting the lingering consequences of Pay’s past actions. The tension between Wilson and Payton has been evident since Wilson’s brief tenure with the Broncos in 2022-23, when Payton benched him before eventually releasing him in 2024 after a $85 million dead money obligation.
Wilson, who joined the Giants in 2024, has been competing for the starting role with rookie Jaxson Dart, a player the Giants acquired through a trade. Despite Wilson’s veteran presence, coach Brian Daboll has opted to start Dart, who made a stunning debut in a Week 4 win over the Broncos. The Giants’ recent comeback victory over Denver in Week 13 has only added fuel to the ongoing debate over Wilson’s role in New York, with some fans and analysts questioning whether he has a place in the Giants’ future plans.
This latest incident between Wilson and Payton underscores the complex dynamics within the NFL, where personal and professional rivalries often intersect. As the Giants continue to build their roster around Dart, the tension between veteran stars and younger talent remains a key storyline in the league. The situation also raises questions about the broader implications of past controversies on current team dynamics and coaching decisions.