Giants QB Russell Wilson reveals advice he received from former Knicks star

Playing for a high-profile franchise in the New York Giants could put even more pressure on beleaguered quarterback Russell Wilson.

It could also give Wilson another opportunity to redeem himself. Former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony told him to embrace that.

"Me and Carmelo we're talking about this," Wilson told Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr for a story published Tuesday. "He's like, 'Man, this is the perfect place for you to reestablish and have everybody realize who Russell Wilson really is, by not just how you play on the field, but what you do, the community and different things you're able to impact.' 

"And people, it doesn't get any bigger than New York City."

The Giants play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., but Wilson is still making time to enjoy the Big Apple's bright lights. He attended a Knicks playoff game and hung out with New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge earlier this year (via Orr). 

Will that give Wilson the energy he needs to salvage his career?

In his first 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, the 2012 third-round pick won a Super Bowl, made nine Pro Bowls and earned one second-team All-Pro nod. Since being traded to the Denver Broncos in March 2022, he hasn't looked the same. 

After signing a five-year, $242.58M contract with the Broncos, he went 11-19 as a starter in the regular season. The team then released him in March 2024. 

Last season, he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs but finished 22nd in the league in QBR (51.3 in 11 regular-season games).

Wilson battled calf, hamstring and shoulder issues over the past three seasons, contributing to his poor play. The 36-year-old passer insists he feels refreshed heading into this upcoming season.  

"Honestly, I feel like I'm 25 years old all over again," Wilson told Orr. "And I think part of that is just physically I feel great. Mentally, I feel amazing in terms of, it's possible."

The Giants, meanwhile, seemingly have fallback plans if Wilson struggles again. This offseason, they signed QB Jameis Winston in free agency and took Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (pick No. 25) in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Wilson seems to love New York. But whether he'll become one of its more beloved athletes, like Anthony, remains uncertain.