Before flying to New York, Russell Wilson had a meeting with the Browns as well. But things did not work out as Wilson walked out of the Cleveland building without any deal. The veteran QB also waited till the last minute for the Steelers. But after they showed no interest, Russ finally decided to move on with the Giants. Now, after signing with the Big Blue, Wilson had his introductory press conference, where he got candid about joining forces with John Mara‘s team and what their strategy will be for the 2025 season. He also revealed why he chose the Giants.

A big reason for Russ to join the NY Giants squad is HC Brian Daboll. The 36-year-old already has a special connection with MetLife Stadium, as he won his first and only Super Bowl there. The QB shared that those memories also played a part in bringing him over. But majorly, it’s because Russ sees Brian Daboll as a “tremendous” HC. When the media asked the ex-Steelers QB about his reasons for choosing to come to the Big Apple, he shared, “I think, you know, Coach Daboll. What he’s been able to do and the play caller that he is and the aggressive nature that he has throughout the game in all different ways, I was excited about that.” 

Although, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the QB was hoping to re-sign with the Steelers. Wilson “spent about six hours” last week at the Steelers facility, meeting various people from the organization. But Steelers saw him as “physically done” and never truly tried to re-sign him to the squad. So, the Giants took the opportunity and swooped in.

“I think Daboll’s a tremendous football coach. You know, it’s funny how people sometimes forget how great a person or coach is during tough times,” said Wilson. “And I think the guy just won Coach of the Year not too long ago,” added Wilson, reminding everybody that Daboll won Coach of the Year in 2022. While Wilson had plenty of praise for Coach Daboll, he also made it clear that he’s fully locked in on the Giants’ plans for the 2025 season.

Russell Wilson is fully focused on Giants future

Whatever happened with Pittsburgh, Russ isn’t wasting any time after signing with his new team. At his introductory press conference, the QB got candid about the Giants‘ 2025 plans. From building a winning mentality to working on chemistry with teammates, Wilson already has a game plan. “I’m kind of a film rat, so I’ve watched a lot. I’ve watched pretty much every catch of each guy. I’ve watched a lot of highlights of them,” said Wilson.

The 36-year-old also spoke about WR Jalin Hyatt, saying he believes the 23-year-old has more potential than what he’s shown so far. “I talked to Jalin Hyatt today a little bit, too. I just think he’s a guy that’s been untapped in terms of what he knows he’s capable of,” Wilson said. So it looks like the QB has plans to help bring out the best in Hyatt.

The next thing on Wilson’s to-do list is “building a winning mentality.” Talking about it, he noted, “I think the first part of it is our habits and our approach every day, you know, our steady habits, how we go to work, how we push each other on and off the field. Winning is a process, winning is also a habit.” Through his statements, it looks like the Giants are on their path to redemption.

The QB also shared that he spoke with WRs Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and TE Theo Johnson as well. He is more than excited to start working with his new teammates. “A lot of guys want to get together, start working. I’m excited about doing that right away and uh start spinning the football around with those guys.”

Well, his plans sound amazing. Two fabled entities seeking redemption from mediocrity in recent years (on their relative timescales). Will it click?