Russell Wilson takes fierce shot at 'classless' Sean Payton

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson takes fierce shot at 'classless' former HC Sean Payton

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 9:17 PM ET

A beef between New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton certainly wasn't on the bingo card of most folks.

How it started

This new beef started Sunday when Payton spoke about Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, citing that he'd wished that the team wouldn't turn to Dart until after Denver's game against New York.

"They found a little spark with that quarterback,” Payton said regarding Dart. “I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘We were hoping that that change would’ve happened long after our game.'"

Apparently, Wilson just caught wind of that on Tuesday and he took the chance to take a shot back at Payton in a post from his X account.

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

Uncharacteristic from Wilson

The bounty-gate reference from Wilson was quite a shocker, as he is one of the calmest-tempered players in the entire NFL. It is completely unlike Wilson to respond to negativity, but Payton's remarks from Sunday evidently struck a major nerve.

Bad relationship

Wilson played under Payton for one season with the Broncos in 2023, and the two never quite seemed to be on the same page. One instance that season saw Payton rip Wilson during a Broncos' loss to the Detroit Lions in a nationally televised game.

Payton has not yet responded to Wilson's social media jab, but if we know anything about Payton's ability to hold grudges, we can expect a response in the near future.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: