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NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

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

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's historic 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

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

"I spoke 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.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the player and his coach.