“More giggles, more laughter, more fun.” That line from Jameis Winston felt like a call to arms. A backup with a larger-than-life personality saying something like that isn’t exactly shocking. What is shocking is how fast it’s become the tone of the entire locker room — and not because Winston’s forcing it.
A couple of months after Winston made that declaration, Russell Wilson took the podium following mandatory minicamp and couldn’t stop talking about the joy of being in the building. That’s not nothing. This is Wilson’s fourth team in 14 seasons (third in three years).
He’s been through the high-stakes Super Bowl and playoff runs in Seattle, the scrutiny-filled seasons in Denver, and a short-lived stint in Pittsburgh that barely moved the needle. He’s likely seen enough to know when something feels right.
And right now, this — whatever’s brewing with the New York Giants — is calling to him.
Russell Wilson is already buying into Giants’ new culture shift
Asked how things have been going so far in New York, Wilson didn’t hesitate to explain just how much he’s enjoying the ride:
"Man, it's been a joy," Wilson told the media on Tuesday. "I think if I had to describe it, just the joy to be able to do what I love to do, number one – and number two, to do it with the people that you really want to be around. ... Just being here and the extra time that we've put in watching film, doing all the necessary things to be great. I think that's been the joy of it, man. That's why you love the game, the obsession of it all. That's the good part."
Wilson, now 36, gave the coaches their praise — said they know how to coach up the young guys without losing the vets in the process.
Since 2020, the Giants have started eight different quarterbacks. The offense hasn’t had a consistent identity in years. Winston brought the energy. Wilson brought the structure. And it’s all starting to blend. There’s still a long way to go before Brian Daboll’s team proves anything, but the early read is that this quarterback room is moving along quickly.
Wilson has already been named the starter, and it’ll be his job to lead a promising young offense featuring Malik Nabers, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Theo Johnson, and an improved offensive line. What stood out most was how much belief there is in the building. He spoke about being the kind of quarterback who raises confidence in the huddle — about helping teammates “find their why” every day.
It might sound like classic Russ talk, but after back-to-back double-digit loss seasons, it’s exactly the kind of message this team needed.
Russ looks like a guy who finally exhaled. It’s early, but the vibe around the quarterback room feels lighter, and Winston is probably part of the reason why. After what this team dragged through last year, that shift is hard to ignore.
“More giggles, more laughter, more fun.” That was the line. And apparently, it didn’t take long to stick.
