Russell Wilson praises rookie Jaxson Dart, says focus remains on Giants' success
Wilson, named New York’s Week 1 starter, commends Dart’s work ethic as rookie backup; coach confirms Wilson will start Week 2
Russell Wilson said his primary concern is helping the New York Giants win as the team balances a veteran starter with a highly regarded rookie backup.
Wilson, who was announced as the Giants’ Week 1 starter, spoke in July to Fox News Digital about rookie Jaxson Dart, praising Dart’s work ethic, teamwork and collegiate résumé while stressing that his daily focus is on helping the team. “I think Jaxson is a really good worker. He's a really good teammate. He's a guy who's had a really good college career,” Wilson said. “For me, I've been fortunate and blessed, obviously this is my 14th year in the National Football League... my focus is helping the New York Giants win daily.”
Both Wilson and Dart are in their first seasons with the Giants. Wilson signed a one-year, $21 million contract in the offseason and was named the starter entering the regular season. The Giants selected Dart with the 25th overall pick after trading back up into the first round; his strong preseason play secured the second-string role.
New York opened the regular season with a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7. Head coach Brian Daboll said the team will carry Wilson as its starting quarterback into Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Wilson’s comments drew natural comparisons to the start of his own NFL career. As a rookie in 2012 he won Seattle’s starting job over veteran Matt Flynn, who had signed a three-year, $26 million contract, and went on to lead the Seahawks to an 11-5 regular-season record and a playoff victory.
Dart’s elevation to the No. 2 role followed a preseason in which he displayed command of the offense and playmaking ability, prompting the Giants to keep him behind Wilson on the depth chart rather than pursuing a short-term veteran backup. The club has signaled that it values both immediate competitiveness and the development of its rookie quarterback.
Wilson, entering his 14th NFL season, emphasized experience, preparation and teamwork in his assessment of the situation. He credited hard work and teammates for his own career achievements while reiterating that the team’s objective, day to day, is winning.
Coach Daboll and the Giants have kept their public messaging steady: Wilson is the starter, Dart is a developing asset on the roster. How the rotation evolves will depend on performance in practice and games as the season progresses, with the team prioritizing immediate results while managing a rookie-in-waiting.
The comments and roster decisions underscore a continuing evaluation process for the Giants at quarterback as they navigate the regular season and aim to position themselves for competitiveness in the NFC East.