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

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

Wilson's reaction 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 their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.

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

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The team went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.