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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told 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 change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the player and his coach.