Russell Wilson has been moved to a backup role for the New York Giants after head coach Brian Daboll named rookie Jaxson Dart as the starting quarterback. The decision comes following the team’s 0-3 start to the season.
After his first practice as a backup, Wilson addressed reporters, expressing gratitude for his continued opportunity to play and support his teammates. “I thank God every day I get to do what I love to do and play this game with guys that I love and enjoy and being around the locker room, the teammates,” Wilson said. He reflected on recent close losses, particularly against Dallas, but emphasized his focus on helping Dart: “I think at the end of the day, for me right now, I think it’s really about the team, really about helping Jaxson the best I possibly can.”
Wilson is recognized for his leadership qualities; he wears both a captain’s patch and a Walter Payton Man of the Year insignia. He shared insights into maintaining perspective during challenging times: “You control your attitude; you control your gratitude,” he said. “And those two things are important to me because I love the game, I love the process, and I respect it. That’s the only thing I know. I think the last thing I’d say about it is just life is about response. I went to the children’s hospital on Tuesday. When you go and you see kids fighting for something that is maybe outside of what they can handle at times, it gives you a lot of perspective. For me, it’s about life, it’s about response. I just know I’m going to respond in every way, in the right way, every day. That’s all I know.”
Earlier this season opener, Wilson reached a milestone by becoming only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to start each of his first 200 games since entering the league in 2012.
Wilson recalled how veteran guidance shaped his early career and expressed commitment to supporting Dart through his transition as starter: “I remember coming in as a young rookie and looking for help and looking for answers and stuff like that,” he said. “I just told [Dart], I’ve got your back, and whatever I can help you with and help him get prepared the best he can possibly get prepared. I know that matters because I’ve lived it and I’ve experienced it.”
He emphasized preparation as key advice: “I’ve always said separation is preparation,” Wilson stated. He highlighted Dart’s work ethic: “I think he’s going to be a great player. I think he’s competitive. I think he’s smart…he does a really good job of just taking things in…and we give him all the answers we’ve got…”
Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Los Angeles Chargers, Wilson reiterated his dedication: “I’m focused on helping this team win,” he said. “I’m focused on helping Jaxson…I want to be here. I love this organization…I’m not giving up on us in this season.”
He concluded by encouraging perseverance amid adversity: “Sometimes you’ve got to climb under the wall…there are battles…I’m going to help lead the way in every way I can…”
