Russell Wilson dubs ex-coach Sean Payton ‘classless’ for QB remarks

Russell Wilson said Tuesday he was not surprised that his one-time head coach Sean Payton appeared to take a "classless" swipe at his abilities after Sunday's game.

Wilson, now with the New York Giants, spent two forgettable seasons (2022-23) as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Payton was hired in 2023 after the Broncos fired coach Nathaniel Hackett.

Denver released Wilson in March 2024 after failing to make the playoffs in either of his seasons there. Payton and the Broncos reached the postseason with rookie quarterback Bo Nix in 2024.

After an 0-3 start this season, the Giants benched Wilson in favor of Jaxson Dart. The rookie has shown promise and threw for 283 yards, three touchdowns and one interception when New York lost to Denver on Sunday.

The Broncos scored 33 points in the fourth quarter for a historic 33-32 comeback win, after which Payton praised Dart and the Giants.

"I have a ton of respect for (the Giants) organization," Payton said. "They found a little spark with that quarterback. I was talking to (Giants president and co-owner) John Mara not too long ago and I said we were hoping that change would've happened long after our game."

Wilson took offense to the implication that playing against him would have been an easier task.

"Classless... but not surprised," Wilson posted on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."

He finished the post with laughing emojis and the hashtag #LetsRide, a reference to his Broncos tenure.

Leaving no doubt Wilson was writing about Payton, the choice of the words "bounty hunting" was likely a dig at Payton's one-year suspension for "Bountygate," when he coached the New Orleans Saints and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams encouraged vicious hits with cash payouts.

Wilson has previously claimed that the Broncos threatened to bench him during the 2023 season if he did not waive his injury guarantee.

--Field Level Media