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New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

Wilson's reaction came after Payton made comments after Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

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

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.

Context of the Coach-QB Partnership

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.