Russell Wilson Still Knows the Names—But Can He Still Play?
Russell Wilson’s days as a top-tier quarterback may be behind him, but one skill he’s clearly still elite at? Name-dropping.
During a recent 12-minute media session, the new Giants QB mentioned 25 different Giants players, coaches, and staffers by name—ranging from stars like Bobby Okereke and Dexter Lawrence to strength coaches and equipment staff. It’s something he also did in his introductory Zoom call with the team, signaling the level of detail and relationship-building he brings to every stop.
Asked whether he’s mentoring rookie first-rounder Jaxson Dart, Wilson downplayed the idea of focusing on any one player. Instead, he framed his leadership as team-wide:
“It’s not just about one teammate. It’s about everybody in the building,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s Journey to New York
Now 36 and entering his 14th NFL season, Wilson is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the league’s modern era:
- 10 Pro Bowls
- 1 Super Bowl ring
- Over 46,000 passing yards and 350 TDs
- 121-77-1 career record as a starter
But his recent years haven’t lived up to the resume. After tensions with Pete Carroll, Wilson was traded from Seattle to Denver, where things quickly went sideways. He clashed with the locker room, struggled on the field, and ended up being benched. The Broncos then dealt him to Pittsburgh, where he had early success but fizzled out late. The Steelers didn’t try to re-sign him.
Enter the Giants.
After swinging and missing on Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, New York settled on Wilson—signing him to a one-year, $10.5 million deal to be a short-term fix while grooming Dart for the future.
The Giants Are “All-In” … For Now
Officially, Wilson is the starter. He’s taken nearly all the first-team OTA reps, and head coach Brian Daboll has reiterated that Wilson will lead the team into the season. But there’s no mistaking the reality: the Giants are only all-in on Wilson until it’s Dart’s time.
Whether that’s in Week 5 or Week 12 depends on how the season unfolds. The precedent is there:
- Kurt Warner gave way to Eli Manning despite a winning record.
- Eli Manning was eventually benched for Daniel Jones.
- Wilson likely won’t be the exception.
Respect from the Building
Wilson still commands respect. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka praised his football IQ and leadership in the QB room. Assistant GM Brandon Brown applauded his off-field intangibles, from organizing offseason workouts with receivers to team dinners with linemen.
Even teammates are impressed:
- Wan’Dale Robinson called Wilson’s attention to detail “really, really nice.”
- Greg Van Roten said Wilson’s approach—“no stone goes unturned”—has set a tone across the offense.
Dart’s Turn Is Coming
Wilson knows Dart’s era is inevitable, but he isn’t sweating it.
“It doesn’t change anything,” Wilson said. “For me, it’s about being the best me. I don’t hold information—I share it. I lead. That’s just how I’ve always approached it.”
He emphasized staying locked in day by day and focusing on what he can control.
So are the Giants truly all-in on Russell Wilson?
Today, yes.
Tomorrow? Depends on the scoreboard.
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