Russell Wilson Fires Back at Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton for Perceived Diss

Wilson took exception to what he perceived as a diss from his one-time head coach.

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson is about as easy-going a person as one will find. But when it comes to Broncos head coach Sean Payton, with whom Wilson apparently had a tumultuous relationship during his time in the Mile High City, there’s no love lost.

Wilson took exception to what Payton, once the Giants' offensive coordinator, thought was a compliment to his old team, but which was actually a double-edged sword.  

The verbal jousting began with Payton praising Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to Denver-area reporters in the lead-up to the game. 

#Broncos HC Sean Payton said he recently told #Giants owner John Mara he was hoping they’d turn to Jaxson Dart at QB once their game passes.

High praise for Dart … and a little shade toward Russell Wilson.

(🎥 @SNYGiants) pic.twitter.com/kG6ltDj0Rg

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2025

“They found a little spark with that quarterback (Dart),” Payton said. “I was talking to John Mara not too long ago, and I said we were hoping that that change would've happened long after our game."

Wilson, meanwhile, took umbrage with Payton’s words, believing them to be a diss. Wilson, remember, was initially named the Giants' starter, with the intention that he would remain in that role as long as the team remained productive. 

However, head coach Brian Daboll opted to pull the rug out from under Wilson after a 0-3 start and go with Dart, his handpicked quarterback, who has since won two games (against the Chargers and Eagles) and who came very close to upsetting Payton’s Broncos, were it not for a fourth-quarter collapse by the defense. 

Wilson responded to the perceived slight by Payton by bringing up Bounty Gate, the scandal that fell under Payton’s watch during his time as head coach of the New Orleans 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

"Classless… but not surprised,” Wilson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. #LetsRide."  

Wilson was traded by the Seahawks to the Broncos in 2022 and was promptly given a $245 million payday. In his first season in Denver, Wilson played for Nathaniel Hackett, who was eventually fired.

The next season, Payton was acquired via trade from the Saints, who still held his rights. Wilson was eventually benched after appearing in 30 games and was then released in March 2024.

Wilson briefly visited the Giants last year but was informed that the starting quarterback role belonged to Daniel Jones once he was healthy. Wilson then signed with the Steelers, starting 11 games for them. 

He joined the Giants this past March and was instantly named the starter. However, after the 0-3 start, Daboll, who had been effusive in his praise of the rookie, made the change, while Wilson was demoted to the backup quarterback. 

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