Russell Wilson almost certainly signed with the New York Giants this offseason because they offered him the best opportunity to earn a starting job, but the quarterback says there is one particular player who drew him to his new team as well.
During an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City over the weekend, Wilson said he chose to join the Giants because of Malik Nabers. Granted, the star wide receiver was sharing the stage with Wilson at the time.
“I came here because of him, big reason (for) it. I really wanted to play with a guy who was special like him,” Wilson said. “I think also, too, we have a lot of guys that put a lot of hard work into it. We’ve got a really good defense, rushing the passer. We’ve got a lot of dudes. That’s a good thing.”
Russell Wilson says Malik Nabers is the reason he signed with the Giants.
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) June 21, 2025
“I came here because of him. I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him.”
This connection is going to be special 🔥 #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/KU2H9nvi0e
Nabers made an immediate impact with the Giants last year, and he did so with far less talented players than Wilson at the quarterback position. The former LSU star finished with 109 catches for 1,204 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Though it was only his first NFL season, Nabers was very vocal in expressing his displeasure when New York’s season spiraled out of control. Wilson may have been drawn to that as well, as it proves winning is important to Nabers.
While Wilson is well past his prime, he should do a much better job of getting the ball downfield to Nabers and other receivers than Daniel Jones did. Nabers is probably just as excited to be playing with Wilson after primarily catching passes from Jones as a rookie.
