🔗 Share this article

NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

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

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

Background of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The team finished 4-11 in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.