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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

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

At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

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

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his mentor.