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

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

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

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments following Denver's historic 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied 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 well after our game,'" the coach commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
• The team went 4-11 in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.