On July 23, 2025, the New York Giants' training camp witnessed a significant moment as wide receiver Malik Nabers and quarterback Russell Wilson connected for the first time in live practice. This marked the beginning of a promising partnership between the two, with Nabers having already established himself as a rising star in the NFL.
Malik Nabers, who was voted No. 67 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025, had missed spring practices due to a lingering toe issue but was fully ready for training camp. The sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers made a remarkable impact in his rookie season by setting the franchise's single-season reception record and becoming just the eighth NFL rookie in the Super Bowl era to surpass 1,200 receiving yards. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection, all while catching passes from four different quarterbacks.
During the first day of camp, Nabers caught several throws from both Russell Wilson and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Reflecting on the experience, Nabers said, "I got a good few throws from Russ, got a few throws from [Jaxson] Dart, so it was good seeing those guys out there competing. It's the first day at camp, so everybody's jittery to get out here. It was a good day."
Wilson, who signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants earlier this year, is expected to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. This announcement was confirmed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who acknowledged the competition from rookie Jaxson Dart and veteran Jameis Winston but emphasized Wilson's leadership and experience as decisive factors.
Wilson's arrival brings much-needed stability to a quarterback position that has seen considerable flux since the retirement of Eli Manning and the turbulent Daniel Jones era. Wilson's tenure includes a nine-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, as well as shorter spells with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, he started 11 games for the Steelers, demonstrating glimpses of his former elite form.
The veteran quarterback has quickly made an impact on the Giants' offense. Wide receiver Darius Slayton noted the clarity Wilson brings, saying, "He's been playing football for a long time, he knows what works for him - it makes it simple for us to get on the same page as him." Nabers echoed this sentiment, praising Wilson's leadership: "He's a great leader. He's one of those quarterbacks that gets everybody going. We needed that in the huddle today, kind of started off slow. With Russ's leadership, we picked things up at the end."
During the July 23 practice, the Giants focused heavily on red zone work, where Nabers caught two close-range touchdowns from Wilson, signaling a strong start for their on-field chemistry. Their lockers are conveniently placed next to each other at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, with Wilson occupying the same locker he used while preparing for Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.
Wilson and Nabers share a deep mutual respect and history. Wilson reflected on their time training together in San Diego, praising Nabers' work ethic and consistency: "A lot of times you get talented guys and their work ethic is super high, but can they keep it consistent? That's what you're always looking for. And I think his consistency and his love for the game, his consistency in his playmaking, his tenacity for the game, his leadership, his thought process, communication." He also highlighted Nabers' active communication during meetings, noting, "He's not shy and he's great in the meetings. Anytime you have a young star receiver for me... he does a tremendous job of that. He's communicating to the other guys about what he sees, what he would do, all these different things." Wilson concluded, "I thought he had a great day today. He made some really big plays. I think he had probably two or three touchdowns down there for sure. I think there's going to be more to him and we're going to keep developing. Obviously, we're just getting started and just kind of warming up and getting hot, but we're excited to work together."
For Nabers, growing up watching Wilson was inspirational. "I've been watching him since the Super Bowl when he won, so I've been watching him a long time," Nabers shared. "My favorite team was the Seahawks at the time, but I was really on defense at the time, so Legion of Boom was really going up. I've been watching him a long time and to get great passes from him, get to see his leadership – I understand now why he's been doing it for so long. To have that on the side of me in my locker room is just an extra mentor that I have on side of me. I'm kind of taking that challenge up to move forward and better myself and hopefully we can do some great things this year."
Wilson's transition to New York has been more than just a professional move; it has also affected his family life positively. Married to R&B star Ciara since 2016, the couple and their children have embraced the vibrant culture of New York City and New Jersey. Wilson shared, "I've been in New York a bunch in the past, I have a lot of family that have been here and lived here and stuff like that, but we love it here. It's just a great city. New York is amazing, Jersey as well. I think what I love is the fans, the sports culture. Obviously for Ciara, the music culture is great too." He described himself as a fast-paced, highly focused individual who enjoys being occupied, saying, "I was always taking 18 credits in college, playing football, baseball. I just like being occupied."
Wilson emphasized that his move was motivated by his love for football rather than external pressures, stating, "No, she loves New York. I love New York too, but it was all about ball." He cherishes the bonding moments during training camp, highlighting "the bonding early in the mornings, the late at night, the extra film, that time that you spend together talking ball. I mean that's the part that you forever remember."
Wilson's confidence and positive attitude have already made a strong impression on the Giants. Tight end Theo Johnson described Wilson's presence as "infectious," calling him a "true pro, the same guy every day." Wilson attributes his confidence to his upbringing in Richmond, Virginia, and the encouragement from his parents through life's highs and lows. He also credits his late mental coach, Trevor Moawad, for shaping his thought process and helping him maintain steady confidence through experience and preparation.
With Wilson leading the Giants' offense and Nabers emerging as a key receiving threat, the team looks poised for a more cohesive and competitive 2025 season. The veteran quarterback's leadership, combined with the youthful talent around him, sets the stage for an exciting campaign in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
