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

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

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

At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Exchange

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.