🔗 Share this article

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

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks after the Broncos' historic 33-32 victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.

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

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the player and his coach.