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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest criticism 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."

The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.

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

Background of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the player and his mentor.