When the veteran tight end Chris Manhertz played with Russell Wilson for the first time, the national narrative surrounding the veteran quarterback was tanking faster than ever.
Once known as a top passer in the game for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s Denver Broncos era was throwing dirt on a lot of his accomplishments. The situation simply wasn’t ideal for the veteran passer. On March 4, 2024, Wilson was released by the Broncos.
During his lone season in Denver, Manhertz appeared in 16 games with the Broncos. He caught two passes for 16 yards. After that, he signed with the New York Giants for the 2024 NFL season. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson picked up a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Some healing was done out in Pennsylvania, but not enough to feel satisfied or build a long-term home. Wilson appeared in 11 games for the Steelers in 2024. He threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The Steelers accomplished a 6-5 record during that time.
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When they went to the playoffs, Wilson threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns in the Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, but it wasn’t enough. Pittsburgh bounced early, and Wilson was back on the free agency market, looking for a new team.
It’s become clear that Wilson might not have been the Giants’ first option. That hasn’t left the veteran passer bitter, viewing the situation in a different light. Wilson is embracing his upcoming season with the Giants and making sure his leadership tactics are top-notch. Recently, Manhertz opened up about it to the New York Post.
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“As a player, Russ is as detailed as it gets,” Manhertz told the New York Post. “It’s kind of contagious to be around him and see how he works and how he carries himself. It’s great work, and it’s necessary work leading up to training camp. It’s all business on the field, and Russ is all business.”
Wilson earned plenty of praise from coaches and teammates throughout OTAs and minicamp for his performance and leadership. Ahead of training camp, the quarterback helped host many of his teammates, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, out in San Diego to work out and bond before they reach their next phase of full-team preparation.
Being that Manhertz was around for New York’s three-win run in 2024, he can spot the differences.
“I think it feels different this year in a good way,” the veteran added. “The leadership is a lot better.”
So far, all seems well for the Giants’ Russell Wilson stint. They will soon have a chance to show if it can all be put together and result in victories.
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