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

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

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

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.