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NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, responding 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 NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing 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 commented.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the player and his coach.