Following his benching in favor of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants’ Russell Wilson has acted gracefully in the midst of relegating to a backup role in stride. Wilson, who was signed this offseason as a bridge quarterback to the Giants’ future as a starter, lasted just three games in the role before giving way to Dart. The move was made amid the Giants’ 0-3 start.
Ex-NFL Star Defends Russell Wilson in Midst of Richard Sherman Comments
During Amazon’s Thursday Night Football pregame show, Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez had strong words for Wilson following his benching, with former teammate Richard Sherman also chiming in.
“I agree. I think you gotta judge his career off when the Legion of Boom was there he had a legendary defense, an all-time defense and the success he had. And then without that legendary defense the success he’s had,” Sherman said according to Sports Illustrated.
“Without that legendary defense he’s 4-11, 7-8, 0-3 to start with the Giants. He was a winning football player in Seattle and people were saying hey, winningest football player, all this good stuff, all these accolades. And now you get to go on your own and you get to prove ‘I’m this great quarterback, I’m this guy who’s gonna be dominant,’ and it just hasn’t worked out that way.”
Against the Dallas Cowboys, Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns, including a 48-yard pass to Malik Nabers that should have won the Giants the game with just 25 seconds left. Since the nod was given to Dart, Wilson has since stressed that he will continue to try to be a leader and a positive presence for the Giants, especially for his rookie position mate, Dart.
However, the move undoubtedly made headlines, as did the comments made on the pregame show. As such, former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III has come to Wilson’s defense.
“They [are] doing Russell Wilson so dirty. I never hear former teammates attack Eli Manning and his record or how he performed outside of the 2 Super Runs they had,” Griffin said on his X. “They show him the respect he has earned and appreciate him for helping them win at the highest level. That ain’t right.”
They doing Russell Wilson so dirty.
I never hear former teammates attack Eli Manning and his record or how he performed outside of the 2 Super Runs they had. They show him the respect he has earned and appreciate him for helping them win at the highest level. That ain’t right.— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 26, 2025
Wilson is 36 years old and was drafted as the 75th overall pick by Seattle in 2012. He signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants back in March.
The Giants, Wilson, and Dart will next face off against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday; kick-off is slated for 1:00 p.m. EST.