New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson responded after his former head coach Sean Payton took a dig at him during his postgame press conference.
“Classless… but not surprised….,” Wilson, 36, posted via X on Tuesday, October 21.
Wilson was firing back at comments made by Payton, 61, after his Denver Broncos defeated the Giants in dramatic fashion on Sunday, October 19.
“They found a little spark with that quarterback,” Payton said after the game, referring to Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. “I was talking to [Giants president] John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘We were hoping that that change would’ve happened long after our game.’”
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Wilson was replaced by Dart, 22, as starting quarterback of the Giants in Week 4 after the team started the season 0-3.
Payton was Wilson’s head coach with the Denver Broncos during the 2023 season. The team released Wilson in March 2024.
Wilson also took a shot at Payton’s role in the NFL Bountygate scandal, in which players on Payton’s New Orleans Saints teams between 2009 and 2011 were paid bonuses for big hits and deliberately injuring opposing players.
“Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. 😎😂 #LetsRide 🤣,” Wilson wrote via X.
In 2012, Payton was suspended for one year without pay for his role in the bounty system.
Wilson didn’t dwell on the drama for long, paying a visit to New York’s Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, October 21, which has become a regular occurrence for the quarterback lately.
“Over the past three months, we’ve had the incredible honor of welcoming Russell Wilson, quarterback for the New York Giants, to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital 🏈💙,” Mout Sinai Pediatrics posted via Instagram on Tuesday. “Russell’s visits have brought unforgettable joy to our patients, families, and staff. From heartfelt conversations to shared laughter and inspiring moments, he’s filled our hospital with hope, positivity, and a whole lot of smiles.”
The hospital said Wilson played bingo and air hockey with patients, in addition to helping some patients create “a list of affirmations to stay inspired.”
“Russell has made a lasting impression – reminding us all of the power of kindness and connection,” the hospital continued. “Thank you, Russell, for being a champion both on and off the field, and for cheering on our team with heart and plenty of high fives. We’re looking forward to more special moments to come 😊.”
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Wilson also posted about his latest visit to Mount Sinai on social media, writing, “We set our hope in Him & on His love!!! Every day is a gift🙏🏾 Another Miraculous Tuesday.”
As for his football duties, Wilson preached positivity after being benched in favor of Dart in September.
“For me personally, I’m not done,” Wilson told reporters. “I’ve got so much belief in myself and I know what I’m capable of. I know I can help this football team if that comes up.”
The Giants are 2-2 since Dart took over the starting quarterback job, including a heartbreaking 33-32 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, a game in which they led 19-0 after the third quarter.
