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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."

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

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.

The Cause of the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told 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 were hoping that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his coach.