Russell Wilson Calls Out Sean Payton as 'Classless' Over Quarterback Comments

The ongoing tension between Russell Wilson and his former coach Sean Payton escalated this week when the quarterback publicly called out Payton as "classless" following comments the Broncos coach made about the New York Giants' quarterback situation. The exchange, which played out on social media, reveals the depth of the rift between the two figures and adds another chapter to their complicated professional relationship.

The Controversial Comments

Following the Broncos' dramatic 33-32 comeback victory over the Giants on Sunday, Payton revealed during his postgame comments that he had expressed disappointment to Giants owner John Mara about the timing of New York's quarterback change. "I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said we were hoping that change would've happened long after our game," Payton stated, referring to the Giants' decision to bench Wilson in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart last month.

Payton's comments referenced the fact that his Broncos defense had prepared to face Wilson, only to find themselves matched up against Dart instead. The rookie quarterback had an impressive performance, accounting for four touchdowns in the close contest. Payton's remarks about preferring to face the veteran Wilson rather than the emerging rookie struck many observers as unusual for a head coach.

Wilson's Fiery Response

Wilson's reaction was swift and pointed. On social media platform X, the quarterback wrote: "Classless... but not surprised.... Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media," followed by laughing emojis and his signature hashtag #LetsRide. The "bounty hunting" reference was a clear dig at Payton's involvement in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal from 2009-2011, which resulted in Payton being suspended for the entire 2012 season without pay.

The public nature of Wilson's response was particularly notable given his typically reserved public persona. The exchange marked one of the most direct confrontations between the two since Wilson's departure from Denver, suggesting that hard feelings from their time together remain unresolved.

Background of the Rift

The tension between Wilson and Payton dates back to their single season together in Denver during the 2023 campaign. Wilson was benched by Payton late in the season and eventually released in the 2024 offseason, despite the Broncos absorbing $85 million in dead money. The relationship had clearly soured during their brief time together, with the team compiling an 11-19 record in Wilson's starts over two seasons.

Additional friction stemmed from Wilson's contention that the Broncos had threatened to bench him earlier in the 2023 season if he didn't waive an injury guarantee in his contract. At the time, Wilson had $37 million guaranteed for 2025 if he couldn't pass a physical. The NFL Players Association became involved, sending a letter to the Broncos indicating that any such threat would violate the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Current Situations

Since his release from Denver, Wilson has joined the New York Giants as a backup quarterback behind rookie Jaxson Dart. The Giants made the switch to Dart last month after Wilson started the first three games of the season, and the change has provided a spark to New York's offense. Meanwhile, Payton continues to lead the Broncos, who improved to 4-3 with their comeback victory over the Giants.

The public exchange between the former coach and quarterback underscores how professional relationships in the NFL can remain contentious long after the parties have moved on to new situations. As both Wilson and Payton continue their respective careers with different organizations, this latest incident suggests that the chapter on their time together in Denver remains far from closed.