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

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."

Wilson's response pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

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

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks after the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against 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 stated.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The team finished 4-11 in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the player and his mentor.