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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

Wilson's remarks directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. The coach suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

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

Context of the Coach-QB Partnership

• Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from suffering an injury.

If Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.