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

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.

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

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.