“Who I believe in, big reason why I came here,” Russell Wilson said, and he meant every word. During his appearance on The Tonight Show, Wilson made it crystal clear: he chose the Giants because of Brian Daboll. It wasn’t about cashing one last paycheck or fading quietly into retirement. Wilson is here because he trusts Daboll’s vision and leadership. The 2022 Coach of the Year didn’t just land a veteran quarterback—he got a believer. But trust alone doesn’t win games.

The belief runs both ways. Daboll didn’t just welcome Wilson—he handed him the keys to the offense without blinking. “Russ is our starter,” he declared on Day 1. No QB controversy, no training camp suspense. And no favoritism either. In a recent interview on Up & Adams Show, Daboll explained exactly why Russ got the nod: “He has a lot of experience… He’s been good for our young players… His process, his communication.” In short, Daboll didn’t just see a veteran—he saw a mentor, a leader, and a man on a mission.

Daboll’s confidence wasn’t based on sentiment. On the show, he broke it down, “He’s still throwing it well… he’s looked good in camp… a lot of guys have confidence in him,” Daboll said. That’s the kind of locker room energy Wilson hasn’t had in years. After Denver and Pittsburgh, this backing is different. No drama, no whispers, no Sean Payton waiting to bench him. This time, it’s Russ’s offense. And likely, his last real shot to prove he’s still got it.

But that story has its plot twists. Wilson’s fall from grace wasn’t subtle… Especially not when he held onto the ball like he was baking a cake. Remember 2022? Infamous 18-hit game against the Titans, because he refused to release the football quicker than Earth’s rotation. But also, because his center, Graham Glasgow (shoulder), and right tackle Billy Turner (knee), went out with injuries. “It was definitely a physical game,” the then-Broncos QB said.

That version of Wilson can’t show up in New York. Meanwhile, Tommy DeVito? He might as well be packing his locker early. What once felt like a joyride now looks more like a stalled Uber—and the Giants clearly aren’t waiting anymore. With Jameis Winston in as the backup and Jaxson Dart as the future, the Giants’ QB room is set—with Russell Wilson in front.

But make no mistake: the time isn’t long, and the expectations aren’t soft. A one-year, $10.5 million deal screams “prove it.” The team’s betting on a bounce-back. So is Wilson. After a brutal 3-14 season, Daboll’s seat is heating up, and he’s banking on Russ to cool it down.

Brian Daboll sets the tone for Jaxon Dart’s rookie reality

Brian Daboll isn’t handing out participation trophies at Giants camp, and Jaxon Dart knows it. The rookie quarterback from Ole Miss has had flashes. A pick-six on Day 1 reminded him quickly: this isn’t college anymore. Still, Daboll’s not writing him off. “He’s got a lot to learn, like any rookie,” the coach said and continued, “But he’s attacking it the right way.” It’s tough love—but it’s the kind of honesty that builds real quarterbacks, not just summer hype.

Jaxon Dart may be QB2 on the depth chart, but every snap reminds him he’s still QB4 in experience. Daboll has made it clear: this is Russell Wilson’s team—for now. And Dart? He’s in development mode. “The game’s slowing down,” Dart admitted, after getting humbled early in camp. That’s coach-speak gold from a rookie. It means he’s starting to see things better—but not fast enough to be the guy just yet. Daboll respects the grind but isn’t fast-tracking the crown.

Even Jameis’ been here before. Three teams deep, same script—start the drive, watch someone else finish. This time, it was Dart capping a Winston-led series with a touchdown. Still, Winston’s not bitter. “Happened in New Orleans too,” he said. And Daboll? He’s keeping it real. Dart’s working hard, staying late, but Wilson’s consistency keeps him in command. No false promises. Just Brian Daboll telling it straight: if Dart wants the job down the road, he’s going to have to earn it every single day.