New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson took to social media to blast what he deemed to be ‘classless’ comments from Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton.
Payton told reporters after the Broncos’ 33-32 comeback win over the Giants he had been hopeful the team would keep Wilson entrenched as its starter over Jaxson Dart until after they played the Broncos.
‘They found a little spark with that quarterback,’ Payton said, referencing Dart. ‘I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago and I said we were hoping that change would have happened long after our game.’
Naturally, Wilson took Payton’s comments as a slight. That led the 36-year-old quarterback to jab back at his former coach by referencing Payton’s involvement in the New Orleans Saints’ infamous ‘Bountygate’ scandal.
‘Classless… but not surprised,’ Wilson wrote on social media. ‘Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.’
Wilson and Payton worked together for one season in Denver in 2023. Wilson started 15 games for the team, completing 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions while leading the Broncos to a 7-8 record.
However, Payton wasn’t pleased with the direction of Denver’s offense and opted to bench Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 season. This also came as the Broncos were exploring ways to part with the veteran quarterback while looking to avoid triggering an injury guarantee in his contract, further complicating the split between the two parties.
Evidently, tension remains between the two men even with their partnership nearly two years in the rearview.
