The oldest QB ever, George Blanda, played until 48. Tom Brady walked away at 44 after winning a Super Bowl at 43. Even at 41, Aaron Rodgers is still the Superman of Pittsburgh. All these numbers make it seem that football is the easiest of games if we discuss player longevity. But don’t let it fool you, the average NFL career lasts 3.3 years. That’s why Russell Wilson feels lucky to play the game and still be the starter.

Wilson’s journey from Seattle icon to Denver disaster was harsh. After nine Pro Bowls in 10 seasons, his first year with the Broncos in 2022 was a statistical collapse. He posted a 60.5% completion rate, took a league-high 55 sacks, and watched the Broncos eat an NFL-record $85 million in dead money to move on. Yet Wilson bounced back in 2023 with 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.

Even so, the Broncos replaced him. Pittsburgh brought him in briefly, but an early injury and Aaron Rodgers’ arrival pushed him out. Now, New York is not just another stop. It might be his last.

However, Russell Wilson refuses to fade. In 2020, he told NBC he hoped to play until 45. Two years later, that softened to five more years. Now at 36, he signed a one-year deal with his fourth team in five seasons. Wilson speaks differently. “It’s called a career,” he told Sports Illustrated‘s Conor Orr. Adding “You look back at somebody’s career over a 20-year period—I would say that 18 or 19 or even 17 of my 20 years, if they’re great years, would you complain? And I think that everything in life happens for a reason.” That wasn’t a resignation. It was clarity. He’s not planning forever anymore. He’s planning the finish. But at the moment, he is roaring to go.

“Honestly, I feel like I’m 25 years old all over again,” he added, standing near the Brooklyn Bridge. “Physically, I feel great. Mentally, I feel amazing… It’s possible,” Wilson attributed it to the mentality of the guys, the coaching staff, and the energy of the city.

New York, he said, suits people who like to move fast. “Which is me.” This is not just about another season. It’s about control. If the Giants‘ gig goes sideways, that five more years dream dies quietly in the MetLife shadows. Also, the numbers still support him. Moreover, project his 2023 pace across a full season, and Wilson was trending toward 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. That’s not washed. That’s above league average.

Over a 14-year span, Wilson ranks 13th in a composite EPA plus CPOE metric ahead of Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Jalen Hurts, and even Matt Ryan. He trails only Josh Allen by a decimal. Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning all had full seasons with fewer touchdown passes. The football case still holds. But the spotlight just stopped following him. And if 2025 doesn’t rewrite the story, he walks.

One year, one shot for Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson didn’t end up in New York by luck. He believes he was placed here for a reason. “Me and Carmelo were talking about this“, Wilson told SI. “He’s like, man, this is the perfect place for you to reestablish and have everybody realize who Russell Wilson really is.” The Giants gave him the exact same locker he used after winning Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife. “I’m excited to create some more memories with some amazing teammates for this amazing fan base,” he said. That’s not about nostalgia. It’s a sign. Wilson doesn’t want a role. He wants the reins.

And the Giants know it. They gave him a one-year $10.5 million deal. They also drafted Jaxson Dart. No promises. No long runway. Wilson understands that. He’s not mentoring. He’s competing. “I can still throw the ball a long way 65-70 yards” he said. “I can still move.” He referenced a 2023 play with Pat Freiermuth where he ducked a rusher, climbed the pocket, and side-armed a touchdown between two defenders. It wasn’t flashy. It was efficient. Vintage Russell Wilson with fewer steps but the same damage.

His presence is already transforming the vibe. Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson have never played with a leader like him. And fans are already sold. For instance, one handed him a shirt off his back for an autograph. Wilson’s even linked to a Marvel project and is embracing the city’s culture. “It doesn’t get any bigger than New York City,” he said. He’s not just using the lights. He’s recharging under them.

That charisma has always followed him, even when the critics were louder than the highlights. As SI noted, “There’s a difference between the Wilson experience on screen and in person.” He writes everything down. His goals, vision, and endings. He crafts the story before it’s real. “Just believe,” Wilson says. “Why not?” It’s how he’s still standing after years of slander and setbacks.

The challenge is set. If Brian Daboll and the Giants turn him loose, Wilson’s career may roar again. But if they hesitate to stall or play it safe, this run ends early. So yes, the pressure is immense. And the spotlight is cruel. But Wilson doesn’t seem rattled. “Then being here it’s like playing the stadium again knowing that I’ve held the trophy there,” he said, trailing off without finishing. He didn’t need to. The implication was loud. The message was clear. I’ve done it once in this building. Let me finish the story on my own terms.