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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

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

At that time, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's historic comeback win over the New York. The coach suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" 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 facing Wilson over 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 stated.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.