“If it doesn’t kill you…It makes you stronger. Keep Going.” Russell Wilson’s biggest strength is his determination to move forward, even in tough times. We have already seen how the quarterback kept his optimism high, even after being benched in Denver. The motivation to move forward and sign in with new teams is as great as his deep passing grades (97.3) in the league. But like everyone else, the newly minted New York Giants QB has one big weakness that a former NFLer disclosed on Thursday.

Perfect as a husband, as a partner, and as a teammate. And perfect as a leader. Mr. Unlimited surely carries unlimited qualities in him. But as per T.J. Houshmandzadeh, “Russell Wilson needs a lot around him in order to play well.”

During a new episode of Speak, the former wide receiver pointed out that Russell Wilson’s reliance on those around him isn’t a recent issue. It’s something he’s needed since the very start of his NFL career. The 12-year NFL veteran explained, “You go back to his rookie year in 2012, the first five years of his career, 2012 through 2016, his defense gave up less than 20 points a game. Every season. Divisional round. Won a Super Bowl, lost a Super Bowl. Divisional round, divisional round. As soon as the defense started giving up more than 20, (his team) missed the playoffs.”

Even in 2024, in three games against playoff-bound opponents, Russell Wilson’s Steelers managed fewer than 20 points each game. So, as per Houshmandzadeh, Wilson “has been fortunate. He got drafted to a team with a head coach (Pete Carroll) that emphasized running the ball, playing great defense, and minimized our mistakes. Bunch of great defensive players that will be in the Hall of Fame – Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Michael Bennett, Bobby Wagner, all these dudes. And as soon as their play dropped, his play dropped. And when they said, we’re going to let Russ cook, Russ got this.” So, as per TJ, Russ was making spaghetti and tart ramen. He wasn’t cooking.

With the three teams he has played so far with, Russell Wilson started in 199 regular-season games. During this 13-year NFL career, he has recorded 121-77-1 as a starter. In the playoffs, he managed to make a 9-8 record, reaching the Super Bowl (both in Seattle). Well, T.J. Houshmandzadeh calling out Wilson isn’t new. Last year, he made a statement on the QB saying, “The Russell Wilson that was taking Seattle to the Super Bowl, you’ve got to give (credits to) Pete Carroll for that. Not Russell Wilson.” Those are some really harsh words for Mr. Unlimited, but we can’t deny the facts.

Since leaving Carroll and the Hawks, Russell Wilson has struggled. His Denver era is perhaps not worth remembering. Hence, Houshmandzadeh doesn’t believe that Wilson is a great starter anymore. Perhaps Brian Daboll’s Giants also know this.

Hold on Russell Wilson, that feeling might be just over-confidence!

Russell Wilson has signed with Brian Daboll and the Giants. And as soon as the quarterback got acquired by them, he dropped his confidence and expectations: “I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day.” Well, that’s amazing Mr. Wilson, always betting on his chances and confidence. But unfortunately, Brian Daboll and the Giants might not feel the same for you.

According to former Giants player Isaiah Stanback, Russell Wilson “is here because they didn’t get the guy that they really want.” That means the team is just keeping him as a bridge or someone who can warm the QB seat until they find their right man. Stanback didn’t even stop there. He said, “14 Ms for two veteran quarterbacks who have playoff experience and a Super Bowl? That’s not bad to have as a backup… And I think that if they’re in position to get a quarterback in the draft, they’re still going to take it,” trying to show the confident Russell Wilson a mirror.

Poor Russell Wilson—he wanted a team that believed in him and would give him the QB1 role. But that might not be the case. After all, the contract itself tells the story—just a one-year deal worth $21 million.

In addition, the team also signed Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito. So, yeah, sometimes the NFL can be harsh. We don’t know whether Wilson will continue as a starter, despite his desire to play for another four to five years.