“Ride into retirement”, “Ciara tweeted this”: NFL fans react as Russell Wilson claps back at Sean Payton over Broncos HC’s sly dig on Giants QB

Russell Wilson apparently still hates Sean Payton long after their stint together ended. On Tuesday, just a couple of days after the Denver Broncos head coach insinuated that he had been hoping to face his former player this past Sunday, the New York Giants quarterback fired back with this post that referenced his former tactician's involvement in Bountygate:

There was much negativity towards it from fans, however:

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More of it can be seen below:

"Cmon Russell....break that persona of (yours) bruh," one begged. "The 'Russ played himself out of the HOF' talk is starting to sink in," another wondered. "Go play for the Jets instead, Russ," another advised.

Payton had been hired by the Broncos in 2023 as part of a desperate attempt to salvage Wilson's tenure, which had seen him go 5-12 and set career-worsts in many statistical categories in 2022. The team managed to improve to 8-9, but controversy abounded late when Payton elected to bench Wilson for the last two games of the season to avoid having to pay an injury guarantee.

That offseason, the Broncos drafted Bo Nix to replace Wilson, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They would eventually make the playoffs for the first time since their triumphant Super Bowl run in 2015.

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AFC South leaders emerge as shock trade destination for Russell Wilson

After leading the Steelers to a playoff berth in 2024 (albeit regressing as the season wore on), Russell Wilson joined the Giants, where he lasted just three losses before being benched for Jaxson Dart.

Nevertheless, he is still a highly respected veteran of the game who can be deployed to the field when needed. And a week ago, ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggested trading him to the Indianapolis Colts, who are currently shockingly leading the AFC South at 6-1 but, in the wake of an injury to Anthony Richardson, may need a credible backup behind Daniel Jones unless they want to trust Riley Leonard:

"It's fun to think about GM Chris Ballard pulling out his old quarterback Rolodex and calling up Andrew Luck or Philip Rivers to come play for a playoff team, but the Colts don't want to be stuck turning to an untested rookie if Jones gets hurt. Enter Wilson... could he be a passable starter if the Colts need someone to step in?"

The trade deadline is on November 4.

Edited by Andre Castillo