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New York Giants backup quarterback Russell Wilson called his former Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton "classless" and referenced Payton's 2012 suspension after a perceived dig directed at him.
"Classless… but not surprised…. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. #LetsRide," Wilson wrote on his X account, referencing the 'Bountygate' scandal that resulted in Payton's seasonlong suspension during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
Wilson was recently benched by the Giants for rookie Jaxson Dart, who Payton complimented after the Broncos' comeback win on Sunday (October 19).
"You know, they found a little spark with that quarterback," Payton said during his postgame press conference. "I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago, and I said, 'We were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game.'"
Wilson's reaction seemed out of character, however, wasn't totally surprising given his history with Payton. The Broncos acquired Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and hired Payton to replace former head coach Nathaniel Hackett in 2023.
Payton eventually benched Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 before he was released by Denver the following offseason. Wilson spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, going 6-5 as a starter, before signing with the Giants in March.
The former Super Bowl champion went winless in three starts for the Giants in 2025, having thrown for 786 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions on 66 of 112 passing.