Denver Broncos head coach and former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson did not have the best of working relationships during their brief partnership in Denver. Wilson is now a member of the New York Giants, although he was benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.
Payton’s Broncos defeated those same Giants on Sunday after scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter to pull off the unlikeliest of comebacks. After the game, Payton took a not-so-subtle dig at Wilson.
“They found a little spark with that quarterback. 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,'” Payton said, indicating that he thought the Broncos would’ve won more easily had they faced Wilson.
On Tuesday, Wilson fired back.
“Classless… but not surprised…. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media,” the veteran quarterback tweeted, referencing Payton’s scandal for putting a bounty on Brett Favre while he was the 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
Fans reacted to the shot on social media.
“Has to find a way to stay relevant after getting bumped by another rookie,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“You’re getting paid 40mil to ride the bench and you’re still this upset??” someone else added.
“Calm down Rusty! Thanks for the help last year, do yourself a favor and hang the cleats,” one Steelers fan wrote.
It’ll be interesting to see if Payton fires back.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.