6 things we learned in Russell Wilson’s first New York Giants press conference

Veteran QB embracing the challenge of turning the Giants around

Russell Wilson, newly-signed quarterback for the New York Giants, introduced himself to New York media via Zoom on Wednesday. Here are some of the takeaways.

‘I expect to be the starter’

Wilson made it clear he did not sign with the Giants to compete with Jameis Winston, or to look over his shoulder and wonder when a rookie signal-caller might come for his job.

“I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day,” Wilson said. “This team is really looking for somebody to lead them in every way in terms of process and the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought process, how we create a great winning culture, and how do we continue to establish that, to really build on things that we do well and things we need to continue to do.

“I think the big part for me is just try to — this might be my 14th year to be able to lead an amazing group of men that really have big hopes and goals and dreams and desires, and we all share the same goal.”

Russ did his homework

It was clear that Wilson had already spent time familiarizing himself with the Giants’ roster. Wilson name-dropped 15 players during the call, assistant coaches Mike Kafka and Shea Tierney, and Director of Football Operations Ed Triggs.

The list of players?

Dexter Lawrence, Chris Manhertz, Greg Dulcich, Malik Nabers, Theo Johnson, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Greg Van Roten, Tommy DeVito, Tyrone Tracy, Jevon Holland, Deonte Banks.

Wilson called Nabers “a freak of an athlete” and said “when he touches the ball, he may score every single time.”

Wilson said slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is “like a running back.”

“Untapped” is how Wilson described third-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

‘Mentor’ is not in the job description

Wilson was asked about the idea of mentoring a young quarterback. Though he has a reputation of being good to other quarterbacks he has played with, Wilson said the job involves leading everyone, not just helping one player.

“First of all, obviously I’m expecting to come in there and be a starter, and earning that every day because that’s your mentality and approach,” Wilson said. “I just believe that when you play this position my goal every day is to step on the field and help our football team win and ultimately to be the best in the world and be one of the best that can do it. I think that’s my mentality, understanding that.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead everybody. It’s not just one room, one guy, one thing. It’s the whole organization. I think that’s the thing that you realize being a quarterback in the National Football League. You’ve got the best fricking job in the world. You’re one of 32. Reality is you’re like a CEO of a corporation, the whole process of it all. So, you’re not just leading one person. You’re leading a whole entire fan base, too. I’m excited about that and the approach of that every day. I know what my talents are and what I’m capable of. I’m excited to put those between the white lines.”

What if a quarterback is drafted?

“I think the first thing is you always handle yourself first. Get yourself prepared at the highest level and control what you can control,” Wilson said. “Part of that is doing everything I can to be my best every day. Then from there, from leading in that sense, everybody else grows with you from that. They learn from you. They see how you work. See your practice habits and mental habits, how you go about it and your approach every day.

“So I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to lead not just the quarterback room, but really the locker room in every way. My approach, what that looks like, I’m excited about the opportunity. Obviously like to lace up the cleats and get after it and be on the field and help our football team win.”

On playing for Brian Daboll

“I think Daboll is one of the most competitive guys. You get to see it in terms of his play calling over the years. He’s coached some amazing guys, guys like Josh Allen, Tua, Jalen Hurts in college and stuff, just some other places he’s been,” Wilson said.

“There has been some familiar people I know that he knows as well that he’s close with. We’ve been able to bond on that and just the experience of loving the game. This guy has won five Super Bowls I believe it is, being with the Patriots, won a national championship. He’s been around greatness and knows what it looks like and sounds like.

“This guy has been the coach the year not that long ago, couple years ago. There is a standard that he knows what that looks like, especially offensively, and how he sees the game. I really love that part about him and what he brings to the table.

“And the rest of the staff as well. Got to spend some great time with guys like (Mike) Kafka and Shea (Tierney) who I’ve known for years all the way back at NC State; I was 18 years old.

“What I really like about Dabs is just his mentality, his attack mentality.”

3-14

Wilson is, of course, joining a team that was terrible in 2024. 2023, too. He is embracing the challenge.

“First of all, I watch the talent and the guys that make plays – that’s a huge thing. Second of all, I think Daboll is a tremendous football coach,” Wilson said. “It’s funny how people forget sometimes how great of a person or coach the person is over some tough times.

“I think the guy just won coach the year not too long ago. Sometimes I love the underdog mentality as well. I think that’s kind of been my approach every day of my life. I don’t know, maybe being 5’11 (laughs). I don’t know what it is.

“A lot of people tell you that you can’t do something. But I love challenges. I love adversity. I love all that stuff. I think the best part is just trying to bring us to the other side of winning and what that looks like.”