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NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks after the Broncos' remarkable comeback win over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach stated.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.