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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the league 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 a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

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

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

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.