Giants' Russell Wilson Praised for Leadership, Ciara Comments

The New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson with one eye towards 2025 and the other on the long-term future. For general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, Wilson offers stability under center and a higher floor than last year’s roster. If they survive the year, though, they’ll hand the keys to first-round passer Jaxson Dart.

That could very well be where Wilson makes his biggest impact.

Subsequently, choosing the passer meant to mentor Dart was significant, and Wilson’s blend of experience and character checked those boxes.

The early returns on Wilson seem promising, and the Giants’ quarterback was getting rave reviews after his message to his wife, Ciara, on social media.

“Even if I have my toughest days, having his love is a game changer,” Ciara wrote.

“Every Queen deserves to be loved and treated like one,” he responded.

At OTAs on Thursday, assistant general manager Brandon Brown spoke about how Wilson’s leadership played into New York’s pursuit of the veteran.

“You look at the leadership component,” Brown said. “When you see what Russ has done since he's got here, within the first two weeks he's bringing Jalin Hyatt out to L.A. and they're working out privately. He's getting all the skill guys together down in Atlanta. Earlier this week, scheduling a dinner with the O-Line and running backs.

“That type of leadership component... Remember, our nucleus has been really young throughout our time here. Him having that veteran leadership on the offensive side as well as having the ability to complement what Dabs wants to get done from the quarterback position, we thought it was a really good fit.”

The Giants also added Jameis Winston to sit between Wilson and Dart in 2025 before backing up the young quarterback in 2026. Despite his wacky character (and concerning off-field issues in his past), Winston is well-regarded for his acumen in the film room and his ability to lead. He’s a quality mentor, too. Between Wilson and Winston, New York has over two decades of experience ahead of Dart. That includes two trips to the Super Bowl, being the No. 1 pick, and various stops along two rollercoaster careers.

Of course, Wilson adds credibility to the offense, too. His teammates are taking notice. From buying into his leadership to appreciating his accuracy, the Giants know they’ll be in more games next season.

Receiver Wan’Dale Robinson elaborated on Wilson’s influence on Thursday.

“He's just the same guy every day,” Robinson said. “A lot of guys you see that they're a little different when they come in. After you first meet them, then you kind of start to see how they are on a regular basis.

“But he's the same exact guy every day. In here early every day, doing what you're supposed to do. He's been coaching us up just the way that you would want your quarterback doing.”

Whether it’s on the field or off of it, Wilson is making a good first impression in East Rutherford. At least for now, this is a roster that believes in its quarterback. The Giants will hope to parlay that into early-season success against a daunting schedule.