The Denver Broncos‘ win over the New York Giants didn’t just give Broncos coach Sean Payton a chance to throw a shade at his former QB Russell Wilson. To this, Wilson brought up the bounty-gate reference. Now, after the heated exchange of words, a Broncos legend has addressed this aspect.

Former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth commented on Wilson during The Stinkin podcast. “I’ve always said that Russell has this toxic positivity that just sucks. I hate it. As a player, I believe there are times when you should be miserable,” Schlereth said.

Schlereth talked about Wilson’s “toxic positivity” and also mentioned that Wilson is the same person who doesn’t give his phone number to players he’s played with. Everyone has to connect through an intermediate first to reach Wilson. But that’s just one part of what Schlereth accused him of. It was also about Wilson’s tweet in response to what Broncos HC Payton said after winning the game against the Giants.

“They found a little spark with that quarterback,” Payton had said. “I was talking to [Giants co-owner] John Mara not too long ago, and I said, ‘We were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game.’”

Although Payton didn’t take Wilson’s name, it was seen as a dig at the veteran QB, and it seemed Payton was glad Wilson was no longer his quarterback. Rookie Jaxson Dart was brought in place of Russel Wilson after the Giants lost three games with Wilson under center. Payton’s comment was a reference to this change.

Schlereth also praised Payton’s take on Wilson. “I love that he feels like he won, and I love the fact that he’s so snarky that he can’t just praise Jackson Dart. He has to throw some shade Russ’s way. I’m here for it. I think it’s awesome.”

Wilson took to Twitter to respond to Payton’s comment after the game: “Classless … But not surprised,” Wilson wrote. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.”

By mentioning “bounty hunting”, Wilson gave a reference to the bounty hunting scandal due to which Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season. This scandal involved giving “bounties” for injuring players on opposing teams.

Regardless of what Wilson said about Payton’s past or how Payton took a dig at Wilson, the two important aspects of this heated exchange are how the Giants have performed since Wilson and his history with the Broncos.

Giants’ new spark and Russell Wilson’s history with the Broncos

Giants have found the spark they have been looking for after replacing Wilson with Dart. Under Wilson, the team went 0-3. After switching to Dart, the Giants won two of their four games. Those are obviously not outstanding numbers, but they are, at least, better than what Wilson helped the Giants put up.

Wilson played two seasons with the Broncos, including one under Payton.

The Payton-Wilson duo managed only 7-8 in the season, and then Payton benched Wilson. Later, the Broncos released Wilson and took an $85 million dead-money hit. Although it was a big financial burden, Schlereth praised this move as well.

“He feels like he’s winning — that he dumped Russell Wilson and that gigantic contract”. Schlereth said during the same show. With Russell sidelined, Payton got an upper hand, and he didn’t miss the chance to take a jibe, but Russell also didn’t keep quiet and dug up old issues.