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

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

The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

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

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

Background of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.