Russell Wilson fires back at ‘classless’ Sean Payton with ‘bounty hunting’ jab

Former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson isn’t holding back.

Wilson, who normally doesn’t say a lot, is firing a shot at his ex-head coach Sean Payton.

After the Broncos stunned the Giants on Sunday, with a shocking 33-32 win, Payton made a curious comment postgame about Wilson. He’s the backup QB in New York behind rookie Jaxson Dart.

“They found a little spark with that quarterback. I was talking to (Giants co-owner) John Mara not too long ago and I said we were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game,” Payton told reporters.

Clearly, it was a dig at Russell Wilson, with Payton wishing the Denver defense got to face him instead of Dart.

Wilson apparently caught wind of the comments and took to X on Tuesday to call Payton “classless” and also bring up BountyGate. Payton was suspended a year by the NFL in 2012 for his alleged role in placing bounties on opposing players while the head coach of the Saints.

Classless… but not surprised….
Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. 😎😂 #LetsRide 🤣

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 21, 2025

Obviously, Russell Wilson didn’t like what Payton had to say. The two worked together in Denver during the 2023 season, but an ugly divorce led him to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Wilson has since moved on to the Giants, where after a slow start he was benched.

Wilson also included his catchphrase from his time in Denver “Let’s Ride,” one that quickly grew tiresome with the fanbase.

Payton won’t meet with the media again until Wednesday, but you can bet he’ll be asked about this post from Wilson.

At the end of the day, it’s well known Payton doesn’t like Wilson, but clearly the feeling is now mutual.

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