🔗 Share this article

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

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

Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.

At that time, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments after Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.

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

Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• The quarterback joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.