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Russell Wilson torches 'classless' Broncos HC Sean Payton, fires back with Bountygate reference

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels10/21/25ChandlerVessels

New York Giants QB Russell Wilson clapped back at Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton for his comments after a Week 7 matchup. In a press conference this week, Payton seemed to simultaneously compliment rookie Jaxson Dart while also insulting Wilson when he said that he wished the Giants made the QB change after playing Denver, which won 33-32.

New York began the season with Wilson as starter but benched him in place of Dart after just three games. Wilson, who previously played under Payton in Denver for the 2023 season, caught wind of the comments and had a fiery response on social media.

“Classless… but not surprised,” Wilson wrote on X. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.”

Wilson seemed to be making a reference to the “Bountygate” scandal in which New Orleans Saints defensive players were paid bonuses for knocking opposing players out of the game. Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season as a result.

In his time as a starter under Payton, Russell Wilson went 7-8 and the Broncos failed to make the playoffs. It was a short-lived working relationship between the two as Denver released Wilson, who later signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2024 season. He then signed a one-year deal with the Giants ahead of this year.

In his hey day, Wilson was one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL and won a Super Bowl in the 2013 season. He has 10 Pro Bowl appearances across his career, but it’s clear his best days are behind him.

The Giants lost all three games where Wilson was the starter as his season totals are 786 yards passing and three touchdowns with three interceptions. Dart immediately provided a spark and led the team to a win in his first start against the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.

Although New York lost to Denver, the young QB was again impressive to finish with 283 yards passing and four total touchdowns. That led to the postgame praise from Payton, though it seems Wilson thought the comments about the QB change were a bit uneccesary.

Regardless, Wilson will remain as the Giants backup and it certainly can’t hurt for the development of Dart to have a player like him on the roster. New York will look to get back in the win column when it faces the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.