Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has reignited tensions with his former Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton after the two exchanged indirect jabs through the media.
Wilson responded to Payton’s recent comments — where the coach implied he preferred facing Wilson over rookie QB Jaxson Dart — with a fiery post on X:
“Classless… but not surprised… Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.”
His post referenced Payton’s 2012 “Bounty Gate” scandal with the New Orleans Saints, which resulted in a year-long suspension.
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
The bad blood stems from their disastrous 2023 season together in Denver, where Payton was visibly frustrated with Wilson on the sidelines. The Broncos later cut Wilson, eating nearly $39 million in salary, while the Steelers signed him on a veteran minimum deal.
After going 6–6 with Pittsburgh, Wilson’s performance declined again with the Giants, losing seven straight games before being benched.
Meanwhile, both the Broncos (5–2) and Steelers (4–2) are thriving without him — a point that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans or media.
In short, Wilson’s clapback shows lingering bitterness, and his career trajectory continues to draw sharp contrast to his former team’s resurgence.
