NEW YORK (AP) — Russell Wilson fired back at Sean Payton on social media Tuesday, less than 48 hours after the Denver Broncos coach took a swipe at the New York Giants’ backup quarterback.
Payton criticized the Giants’ backup QB, who lost his starting job to rookie Jaxson Dart following an 0-3 start. In response, Wilson posted on X, formerly Twitter, calling Payton “classless. but not surprised.”
Wilson also referenced the infamous “Bounty Gate” scandal from 2009-11 involving the New Orleans Saints, where Payton was head coach. The NFL found the Saints had been rewarding players for hits intended to injure opponents, leading to Payton’s one-year suspension in 2012. Wilson tweeted, “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media,” taking a jab at his former coach.
Payton’s initial comments came after Denver’s historic 33-32 comeback win on Sunday, when he said the Giants “found a little spark with” Dart. He also hinted that during a conversation with New York owner John Mara, they hoped the Giants would not have to face Wilson so soon.
“I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘We were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game,'” Payton explained.
Wilson and Payton’s time together in Denver was brief and fraught. The Broncos went 4-11 in Wilson’s first season before hiring Payton, who was returning to coaching after a broadcasting stint. Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the season, reportedly to protect him from injury. If Wilson had remained on the roster by March 17, 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed.
Wilson was eventually released, ending an ugly breakup between the veteran coach and player—both of whom have Super Bowl titles in their careers.
Now, a little over a month away from turning 37, Wilson spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing in free agency with the Giants.
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This story has been corrected to show Wilson played just one season for Payton in Denver.