Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Longtime NFL quarterback and Super Bowl Russell Wilson has expanded on why he decided to call out his former head coach Sean Payton on Twitter last Fall. In the tweet, Wilson mocked Payton’s history with “bountygate.”
Last season, Russell Wilson began the season as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants but was eventually benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.
With the Giants and Broncos facing off in October of last year, Sean Payton said that he told the Giants team owner, John Mara, that he would rather face Wilson than Dart as an opponent. Wilson caught wind of Payton’s comments and respond on Twitter.
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
NFL quarterback Russell Wilson explains why he finally called out Sean Payton with a tweet about his bountygate scandal
Appearing on then Bussin’ with the Boys podcast this week, Wilson stood by his tweet and explained why he sent it.
“I don’t say much. I never, hardly ever say anything. I think there’s a time and place, but sometimes you get fatigued of people talking about you,” Wilson explained on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast.
“It’s one thing for people that maybe aren’t in the field or people say ‘bots’ or whatever, talking—I don’t worry about that stuff. But, to me, when you’ve been in the ring or you’ve been on the same side of this and that, and I got the same amount of rings as you got, meaning Sean. Listen, I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a play caller, this and that. But, to take a shot I don’t like, I don’t think it’s necessary, especially when I’m not even on your own team anymore.”
“I have realized I stayed quiet for so long,” he continued. “I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, too. I have beaten Sean, too. We have been in the same place and same thing. And so, it’s not a matter of disrespect. Just don’t disrespect me.”
Russ finally addresses the Sean Payton fallout
OUT NOW 🎙️ https://t.co/4iBSSmNLMa pic.twitter.com/vx9aEDgQe9
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 3, 2026
Wilson spent two seasons with the Broncos in 2022 and 2023, with his last season being Payton’s first with the team. Wilson spent two seasons with the Broncos in 2022 and 2023, with his last season being Payton’s first with the team. Under Payton in 2023, Wilson played in 15 games and had a 66.4% completion percentage while passing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.