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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

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

The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Latest Exchange

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told team 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 hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M extension.
• The team went 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his coach.