Russell Wilson Speaks Out After He’s Benched 3 Games into Season

Russell Wilson is taking the high road after losing his starting job with the New York Giants.

In the wake of a poor performance against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, the 0-3 team is looking for answers — and named rookie Jaxson Dart as its new starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Yet in his 14th year in the NFL, Wilson remains optimistic about his own — and his team’s — future.

“I’m focused on helping this team win,” the 10-time Pro Bowler, 36, told reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 24. “I’m focused on helping Jaxson. I’m focused on getting ready to be the best version of myself… I want to be here. I love this organization. I love the process of it all, I love the guys in the locker room. I’m not giving up on us in this season.”

As Wilson downplayed his interest in being traded or released, he spoke about the confidence he has in himself  — all on the cusp of turning 37 in November.

“I’m not done,” Wilson said. “I have so much belief in myself and know what I’m capable of. Life is sometimes a 16-round fight … and sometimes you feel like, in the moment, you are at the end of something heavy. I just believe I’m still in Round 5, Round 6.”

With fans chanting “We want Dart” at MetLife Stadium last Sunday, the Giants now look to reinvigorate their offense, and Wilson said he is willing to help the Ole Miss standout get acclimated.

“I remember when I was a rookie. I remember coming in as a young rookie and looking for help and looking for answers and stuff like that,” Wilson said. “I just told him, ‘I’ve got your back,’ and whatever I can help you with, I’ll help him get prepared as best as possible. I know that matters because I’ve lived it and I’ve experienced it.”

After his stellar early career with the Seattle Seahawks from 2012-2021, Wilson couldn’t find a fit during short-lived stints in Denver and Pittsburgh.

Now the No. 2 QB option in New York, and riding the bench just ahead of veteran signal-caller Jameis Winston, he nevertheless remains committed.

“Life is about response,” he said. “I went to the children’s hospital on Tuesday, and when you go and you see kids fighting for something that is maybe outside of what they can handle at times, it gives you a lot of perspective. So for me, life is about response, and I know that I’m gonna respond in the right way every day.”