The New York Giants’ drafting of Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft has somewhat overshadowed their decision to bring in veteran Russell Wilson. Exciting young additions like Malik Nabers, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Theo Johnson, and Cam Skattebo in the last two drafts have Giants fans understandably excited.
While Dart is planned to lead those skill-positioned players into a new era for the organization, Wilson will be in command in the short term. Speaking to the press after practice recently, the Super Bowl-winning veteran explained his leadership role in New York and the atmosphere in the Giants’ quarterback room.
Russell Wilson Praises Justin Fields, Ready to Mentor Jaxson Dart and Others
Wilson answered questions from reporters following the Giants’ second week of OTAs, with the day’s session ending in a fight involving four New York linemen. Wilson played down the seriousness of the scuffle before playing up the atmosphere within the organization. Asked whether he viewed his role as being one of a mentor or simply a starting quarterback, Wilson responded in typically motivational fashion.
“I’ve always viewed it as you’re always trying to be the best version of yourself, and then you’re always giving back to everybody else. I think that it’s not just about one teammate, it’s about all the teammates. It’s about everybody in the building.”
Russell Wilson on being a leader
🎥: https://t.co/VEBGyLEkof pic.twitter.com/w4165vXtwk
— GiantsTV (@GiantsTV) June 5, 2025
Wilson was then asked about going from mentoring Justin Fields in 2024 to doing the same with Dart in 2025 and how he approaches the transition. The veteran had some kind words for his former teammate before revealing his excitement about working with each of his fellow Giants quarterbacks.
“It’s not just the guys in the quarterback room; hopefully, it’s guys across the league that you’ve been able to communicate with, especially those in your room. Fields is a guy that I have a great relationship with, a guy that I believe in in every way. We spent a lot of time together last year and talked a lot in the past.
“Jaxson and I are obviously starting to get to know each other, and Jameis I’ve known forever. And Tommy (DeVito), I greatly respect Tommy and how hard he’s worked every day; that doesn’t go unseen.
“It’s just all of us, man. It’s not just one guy, player, me, or anything else; it’s all of us together.”
Russell deep to Hyatt pic.twitter.com/cT07FSvFud
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 2, 2025
Building a community and a relationship with his teammates has been on Wilson’s to-do list, and he seems genuinely excited about being the best teammate he can be. Dart will need mentorship at the NFL level, especially if he is to take over starting duties in 2026. Wilson has been on good, bad, and great teams, and is the ideal veteran presence for the rookie to learn from in Year 1.