🔗 Share this article

NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

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

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the player and his coach.