Russell Wilson Fires Back at Sean Payton’s “Classless” Postgame Comments
Russell Wilson is reigniting his feud with former Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, calling him “classless” for a jab made after Sunday’s Broncos-Giants matchup.
The New York Giants quarterback, 36, responded on X (formerly Twitter) after Payton told reporters that he was “hoping” to face Wilson — rather than the Giants’ breakout rookie Jaxson Dart — in their Week 7 matchup.
“Classless… but not surprised,” Wilson wrote. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.”
Wilson’s pointed remark referenced Payton’s infamous 2012 “Bountygate” scandal, in which the NFL suspended him for a full season after an investigation found the New Orleans Saints ran a program paying players to intentionally injure opponents.
Payton’s Comments Spark the Controversy
After Denver’s 33–32 comeback win against the Giants, Payton, 61, was asked about facing New York’s rookie quarterback.
“They found a little spark with that quarterback,” Payton said, referring to Dart. “I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago and I said we were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game.”
Wilson — who lost his starting job to Dart earlier this season — quickly fired back online, escalating the long-simmering tensions between the former player and coach.
A Rocky History in Denver
The feud traces back to Wilson and Payton’s brief but turbulent partnership in Denver.
- Wilson joined the Broncos in 2022 after a decade with the Seattle Seahawks.
- Payton took over as head coach in 2023 and inherited Wilson as his starting quarterback.
- The duo failed to click, leading the team to a disappointing 11–19 record over two seasons.
By late 2023, Payton benched the Super Bowl-winning QB in favor of Bo Nix, and Denver released Wilson at season’s end — eating $85 million in guaranteed salary, per ESPN.
Wilson’s Career Since Denver
After leaving Denver, Wilson played a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with the Giants this offseason. However, after just three games, he was benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart, who has led the team to a 2–2 record in his first four starts.
Despite the demotion, Wilson has maintained that he’s not finished.
“I’m not done,” he told reporters last month. “Life is sometimes a 16-round fight… I just believe I’m still in Round 5 or 6.”
Meanwhile, Payton has found new momentum in Denver, guiding Bo Nix and the Broncos to their first playoff appearance since 2015.
The Feud Continues
Wilson’s social media response underscores how raw the feelings still are between him and Payton. While neither side appears eager to make peace, fans online have been quick to weigh in — with many debating whether Payton’s comments were playful or petty.
One thing is certain: the next time these two cross paths on the field, all eyes in the NFL will be watching.
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