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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

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

At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded players for making hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.

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

Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.