Wilson Is A Man Of Faith
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
AT&T Stadium
By Andrew Rosario
Leading up to the game against the Dallas Cowboys, first year New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson was coming off a very disappointing debut against the Washington Commanders. In the 21-6 loss, Wilson failed to get them in the end zone. He missed on 20 of his passes (17-37) throwing for only 168 yards and finished with a embarrassing quarterback rating of a dismal 29.9. After only one game, fans and media were calling for him to get benched for rookie Jaxson Dart who had a sparkling preseason. After his performance in Dallas, all that noise went away.
In the very disappointing 40-37 overtime loss to the Cowboys in Dallas last Sunday afternoon, Wilson had one of the best games of his career. He completed 30 of 41 passes (73%) for 450 yards and 3 touchdowns. His quarterback rating was 123. Wilson connected with wide receiver Malik Nabers twice. The first time for 29 yards. The second time came with .27 seconds left giving the Giants a 37-34 lead after Boys quarterback Dak Prescott gave his team a 34-30 lead. Wilson’s 34 yard touchdown pass to Wan’Dale Robinson gave the Giants a short lived 30-27 lead.
As tough as it was for Wilson, he did come away with positives and mentioned the one who instilled life’s lessons he holds on to this day. He began by talking about his teammate’s and coaches. “The beliefs with the guys that we have, the belief on the sidelines.There have been a lot of noise and the guys did not flinch. I think that was the best part about today.”
Wilson, who could have played professional baseball and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2007 in the 41st round and by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round in 2010. In 2013, his rights were acquired by the Texas Rangers in 2013 before getting traded to the New York Yankees in 2018 before decideing to commit fully to football.
Wilson expressed his love watching all sports. “I love sports,” he began. “I love watchiing greatness. I love watching boxing for example. We’re in a 17 round fight. We battled in the first and second round and we got more to do. Wilson talked about not letting the noise get to him. “I know how talented I am. I don’t need somebody to convince me of that. I don’t need outside praise or criticism to convince me what i’m capable of.” Wilson’s faith and belief in God is unwavering. “It’s the grace of God in what he’s giving me. I thank him for giving me the ability to be on this platform every day.”
Wilson had a special relationship with his dad Harrison Wilson who was his biggest supporter while attending NC State. The elder Wilson passed away in 2010 from complications from diabetes. To this day he can remember words of wisdom. “My dad was on his death bed, he began.” I was playing college football, I was going through a lot of tough stuff. I was playing well. I never forget him telling me, the greater you are great, the more they’re going to hate.”
In the loss, which their record fell to 0-2 and both coming against division rivals, Wilson remained upbeat and looks forward to facing the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night on national television. The Chiefs are also looking to win their first game of the year after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday in a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. “If you want to be great, you have to be offensive. You got to find a way to win. You got to find a way to make bigs plays.”
The Giants are hoping that Russell Wilson’s performance against Dallas is the start of more, good things to come.
Recent Comments