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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's remarkable comeback win over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.

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

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos finished 4-11 in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.