Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson are the newest quarterbacks in the Big Apple, hoping to help the team bridge the gap to whichever prospect it selects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now paired on a team desperate for steady quarterback play after years of hoping Daniel Jones would live up to his draft status, the two veterans should have good chemistry, thanks to a relationship that goes back years.
Inside the Bond: Jameis Winston Opens Up on Deep Connection With Russell Wilson
Speaking to reporters at a press event held by SNYtv, Winston was asked how he felt competing with Wilson, a one-time Super Bowl champion, for the Giants’ starting job.
Winston said he’s excited to watch Wilson lead the team, while also joking about the Browns upsetting Wilson’s Steelers in Week 12 last year. The quarterback then explained how far back his relationship with Wilson goes.
“My relationship with Russ is good, man. A lot of people don’t know this, he was one of the quarterbacks that allowed me to take a look into how he ran his enterprises, ran his businesses, how he took care of his body, how he trained. What did he put into, his mental approach,” Winston said.
“Russ and I had a very close friend who is no longer with us in Trevor Moawad. We were a lot closer when Trevor was still with us,” the former No. 1 overall pick added.
“Trevor, and I think Russ would speak on this, instilled a lot of great traits into both of us. And we continue to use those traits, express those traits, in our leadership and in our commitment to football. So, that’s where we have a similar background. Our mental approach can be very similar because one of our mental coaches was definitely life-changing for him, and very influential with me as well.”
Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson have a good relationship that dates back to when Wilson gave Winston an insight into his day-to-day operations pic.twitter.com/YGQJxM7eGJ
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) March 31, 2025
Moawad, who died from cancer complications on Sept. 15, 2021, was well known for his strong bond with Wilson. It’s clear Moawad had a significant impact on Winston as well, and the Giants’ quarterbacks will be able to bond over their shared connection with an important friend.
Both signal-callers are known for their leadership, especially in pregame speeches and inside the huddle. They’ll be able to help head coach Brian Daboll steady the ship and lead Big Blue through at least the 2025 season.
Wilson, Winston: Two Journeymen, Two Very Different Vibes
Winston started seven games for the Cleveland Browns in 2024, putting together a stat line only he could: 2,121 passing yards on a 61.1% completion rate, with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He remains just five seasons removed from his infamous 30-30 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wilson, meanwhile, led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs last season, though they fell flat against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round. Over the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos and Steelers, Wilson has started 26 games, throwing for 5,552 yards and 42 touchdowns with just 13 interceptions.
According to PFSN’s QB+ metric, Wilson finished the 2024 season as the league’s 17th-best quarterback with a 75.3 grade. Winston graded out lower, finishing 29th with a 65.7.