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NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

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

The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

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

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the player and his coach.