Russell Wilson Hits Back at Broncos Coach Payton Over 'Bounty Gate' Jab

On October 20th, 2025, just two days after the Denver Broncos' dramatic comeback win over the New York Giants, tensions have flared up between Broncos head coach Sean Payton and Giants backup quarterback Russell Wilson.

Payton, who took a swipe at Wilson following the game, suggesting the Giants "found a little spark" with rookie QB Jaxson Dart, has now found himself on the receiving end of a scathing response from the veteran signal-caller.

Wilson, who played under Payton for two seasons in Denver, fired back on social media, calling the comments "classless" and accusing the coach of still "bounty hunting" - a reference to the infamous 'Bounty Gate' scandal that rocked the NFL in 2009-2011, when Payton's New Orleans Saints were found to be rewarding players for hits intended to injure opponents.

The heated exchange is the latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two, who endured an "ugly breakup" after their time together in Denver, where they went 18-16 over two seasons before parting ways. Wilson, now 36, joined the Giants in free agency this past offseason after a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As the NFL world watches this drama unfold, it's clear that the bad blood between Payton and Wilson has not yet been fully resolved, setting the stage for a potentially explosive matchup when the Broncos and Giants meet later this season.