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

"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing 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,'" the coach stated.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The team went 4-11 in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the player and his mentor.