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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's historic 33-32 win over the New York. Payton suggested 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 facing Wilson over Dart.

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

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
• The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the player and his mentor.