🔗 Share this article

NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms 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 media."

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments after the Broncos' remarkable 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 starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.

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

Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.