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East Rutherford, NJ -- June 5, 2025 -- Quarterback, Russell Wilson as the New York Giants players participate in their 2025 OTAÕs at the Quest Diagnostic Giants Training Center in East Rutherford. Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Russell Wilson Embracing Opportunity with Giants

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Alex House | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 3:00 AM ET

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson has heard all the jokes. He has seen all the "Let's Ride" GIFs. However, the mockery has not discouraged his eternal optimism, which remains as strong as ever.

One can argue that such a personality is a magnet for unrelenting scrutiny in the Big Apple. The media will hone in on every Wilson soundbite, and people will run wild on social media.

The Giants fan base lacks patience for "rah-rah" speeches following what they have experienced since the franchise's last Super Bowl win in 2012. But maybe some enthusiasm is exactly what the Big Blue community needs right now.

Although Wilson's leadership style may not resonate with everyone, he is determined to help the Giants climb the NFC ladder. A successful run with a squad that lost a franchise-worst 14 games last season would revive his ailing football reputation. Many do not believe such an outcome is attainable.

Do not tell that to the Super Bowl XLVIII champion, though. He enjoyed the greatest moment of his NFL career in MetLife Stadium more than a decade ago. As ambitious as it may sound, Wilson is intent on making more wonderful memories in the Meadowlands.

This time, he hopes to do it while wearing blue.

“The opportunity here is so great,” the 10-time Pro Bowler said while appearing on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast.

“I don’t mind the lights. I don’t mind that part of it. I think the other part of it for me, most important of all that, is I’ve been here before.

"When you walk into a stadium, into a locker room, and you know, like my locker is the same locker I had when I won the Super Bowl. So, for me, when I see that, when I walk into the stadium, I’m like, ‘I’ve been here before.’

"Not just been here, but, like, we did this before. So, I fundamentally believe it’s possible again in terms of being successful again and being at the highest level.”

Wilson has high hopes for 2025

Some people will roll their eyes at Wilson's positivity, but perhaps his confidence extends beyond the obligatory "let's go, team" banter that almost every athlete says in public. Could the veteran signal-caller be onto something?

The Giants are not currently a championship contender. Wilson will not convince anyone outside the locker room that New York can pull off an improbable 180. However, this roster does have the potential to surprise the masses.

Rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter was touted as a surefire game-changer in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. He joins a defensive line that already features established playmakers like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, as well as a solid contributor in Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo bring their standout ball skills to the secondary, a unit that should be much-improved next season. Running back Cam Skattebo infuses toughness and pass-catching prowess for the backfield. The offensive line boasts multiple guys who can move around the trenches.

The Giants have few glaring weaknesses and are far more versatile than they were a year ago. Of course, none of those upgrades matter if Russell Wilson does not deliver under center.

At 36 years old, he cannot scramble his way out of trouble like he did with the Seattle Seahawks several years ago. A 4,000-passing-yard campaign seems unlikely as well. But what Wilson can do is limit mistakes, put the ball where it is supposed to be, and lead with poise.

In short, he can steady a wobbly franchise and help guide it toward respectability. That is what the Giants are asking of him, at least.

Based on what he told Anthony, Wilson is eager to fulfill that mission and then some.

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