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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.

At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments after the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team 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 Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M extension.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the player and his mentor.