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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

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

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following Denver's remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

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

"I was talking 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 Coach-QB Partnership

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

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