“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 and Sean Payton appear to be fostering some bad blood even after the end of their stint together with the Denver Broncos. A couple of days after the Broncos head coach insinuated that he had been hoping to face Wilson and not Jaxson Dart this past Sunday, the New York Giants quarterback fired back with a comment that referenced his former tactician's involvement in the Bountygate scandal.

"Classless... but not surprised," Wilson wrote on Tuesday. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."

Russell Wilson

@DangeRussWilson

Classless… but not surprised…. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. 😎😂 #LetsRide 🤣

His tweet did not go down well with fans.

RunItBackHerbo

@RunItBackHerbo

@DangeRussWilson Ride into retirement

Brss

@brsknowsball

@DangeRussWilson We all know Ciara tweeted this. Go work on those high knees Russ

"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.

Wilson's post was in response to Payton saying the Giants had “found a little spark” with Dart after moving on from Wilson.

“I was talking to [New York Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘We were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game,’” Payton said.

Payton was hired by the Broncos in 2023 as part of an 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 arose when Payton opted to bench Wilson for the last two games of the season to avoid paying 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, Russell Wilson joined the Giants, where he was benched for Jaxson Dart after three losses to start the season.

Nevertheless, he remains a highly respected veteran who can be deployed when needed. A week ago, ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggested trading Wilson to the Indianapolis Colts, who lead the AFC South at 6-1 but, in the wake of an injury to Anthony Richardson, may need a credible backup behind Daniel Jones.

"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 Nov. 4.