Russell Wilson is fired up and ready to make a success of his New York Giants move after being ditched by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 36-year-old Super Bowl winner prioritized staying a Steeler when his contract ended, after leading the team to the playoffs in what was a resurgent campaign on a personal level for the quarterback.
But Pittsburgh have focused on bringing in Aaron Rodgers, a risky move as the 41-year-old takes his time to decide what comes next in his career – if anything. Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby thinks Rodgers is going to retire.
But Wilson clearly doesn’t think that he and Rodgers are far apart in terms of talent and what they can do on the field.
‘Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player. He’s done some amazing things in this league,’ Wilson said of his rival quarterback.
‘I’ve been fortunate to be able to do some great things, too. Really, what I’m focused on is right now and what we can do here.
Russell Wilson poses with his wife Ciara after signing for the New York Giants this week
Wilson and Ciara pictured together on the red carpet of the Vanity Fair Oscar Party this year
That’s been my focus since I’ve signed and everything else, and also along the way is finding a place that continues to believe in you.’
And the Giants clearly believe in Wilson, signing him up on a $21million deal which includes $10.5m guaranteed.
The Giants also hold the No. 3 pick in this year’s NFL draft and have been strongly linked to picking former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
But as it stands, the Giants quarterback room looks pretty full with Wilson backed up by Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito, which could lead them to Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter.
Wilson, though, is certain that he is the main man that the Giants need after two seasons in the wilderness.
‘I’m excited man, I’ve been gifted with so much in this game in terms of experiences and things I’ve gone through,’ he said, as per NFL.Com.
‘All the great moments, some tough ones along the way, but also to be inside those white lines, that’s my most favorite place to be.
‘And so I’m excited to do that and to rock the New York Giants jersey.’
Aaron Rodgers, 41, appears to be at a crossroads in his career after leaving the Jets
The 41-year-old Rodgers, meanwhile, was linked with a move to the Giants but still has not decided what comes next for him, if anything.
The Steelers remain the No 1 contender for him to keep on playing although he had also been linked to the Minnesota Vikings.
Last year, the Steelers made the playoffs with Wilson as quarterback before losing to the Baltimore Ravens.