There’s a quiet urgency building in East Rutherford. And on April 21, as the New York Giants welcomed players back to the facility for the start of their offseason program, that urgency was made real—not with bold proclamations, but with humble introductions, firm handshakes, and honest, grounded conversations.
In a wide-ranging media session that touched on leadership, adversity, chemistry, and the future, players like Russell Wilson, Jevón Holland, Theo Johnson, and Tyler Nubin—alongside Head Coach Brian Daboll—all leaned into a simple truth:
This team is being built the right way. From the inside out.
Jevón Holland: Building From Day One
One of the most exciting additions to the Giants’ defense, Jevón Holland didn’t step in with a superhero complex or big ego. Instead, he brought humility and awareness—knowing he’s walking into a new culture.
“It’s Day 1, so keeping it cool, man,” Holland said. “Just saying, what’s up, to everybody and putting a face to a name.”
That kind of unassuming mentality stands out in today’s NFL, and it echoes the ethos the Giants are trying to reestablish: family, accountability, and work before words.
“I’m here just like everybody else,” he said. “I just want to learn the playbook, dive into the family, and become part of that Giants’ legacy. Nothing too crazy.”
While some teams rush to throw new stars into press-grabbing roles, Holland is content to earn his place the old-fashioned way. Whether others have preconceived notions of his game from his Miami days or not doesn’t concern him.
“They’re going to get to know me the same way I meet any other stranger—handshake, say what’s up, and go from there.”
Still, Holland brings a versatile toolkit to the Giants’ secondary. A true modern safety, he can cover in man, play deep zone, and drop down in run support.
“They’re going to fit in my attributes,” he explained. “A long, rangy safety that can come down and cover man-to-man. But in terms of specifics? We haven’t gotten to that point yet. It was just intros today.”
What does motivate him? Not being a first-rounder. Though others saw him as a Day 1 talent in the 2021 draft, Holland said he never bought the hype.
“I didn’t think I was going first round. My agents said second day. So when I went in the second, I was like, ‘Cool.’ I think I went right where I should’ve gone.”
Russell Wilson: The Reinvented Leader
If Holland represents the fresh blood, Russell Wilson is the polished veteran. The nine-time Pro Bowler arrived in New York with something to prove—not just to critics, but to himself.
“I’m excited to be a New York Giant,” Wilson said. “What an opportunity it is. We can make it really special.”
From the moment he took the mic, Wilson sounded less like a new quarterback and more like a CEO setting the vision.
“There’s no magic pill besides the work. We’ve got to love it. We’ve got to have that attention to detail.”
His first day at the facility began with a team address, where Daboll asked both Wilson and Jameis Winston to speak.
“I talked to the guys about where I come from, my story, and the focus for the year,” Wilson shared. “It’s about what we want to accomplish—not just individually, but together.”
And the bond-building is already in motion. Wilson organized offseason throwing sessions in San Diego and Atlanta, working with young stars like Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton, along with tight ends Daniel Bellinger, Greg Dulcich, and Theo Johnson.
“I think we’re ahead of schedule on that,” Wilson said. “Time under tension matters. The guys I’ve met here—they love football. They want to be great.”
Asked about watching New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson courtside at MSG recently, Wilson’s eyes lit up.
“I’ve gotten to know Brunson over the last couple years. Just a talented player. That comeback they had? 21-0 run. The energy in the Garden? Unreal.”
Theo Johnson: Second-Year Confidence
For tight end Theo Johnson, the story isn’t just about a return to health—it’s about rising expectations.
“I’m getting better every day. The training staff’s been great. I like where I’m at right now,” Johnson said.
Coming off an injury-plagued rookie year, the former Penn State standout now has a clearer view of the road ahead.
“Last year, everything was coming at me a million miles an hour,” he said. “Now, I’ve got my feet under me. I know what to expect. I’m excited to get a full offseason in.”
And like many of the offensive players, Johnson already feels the Wilson effect.
“He’s got so much passion for the game,” Johnson said. “That’s going to be infectious. I think he’s going to infect our whole locker room—in a good way.”
Theo also discussed his continued friendship with fellow PSU tight end Tyler Warren, one of the top prospects in this week’s NFL Draft.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for him. We made each other better every single day. He’s already a pro, and he’s not even a pro yet.”
If Warren ends up with the Jets?
“I’d be juiced up if he ended up over here,” Johnson laughed. “We’d have to find an apartment halfway between Florham Park and East Rutherford.”
Tyler Nubin: Repping Family and Legacy
Second-year safety Tyler Nubin knows what it’s like to adapt quickly. Last season he was a rookie thrown into the fire. This year, he’s finding his voice and leaning into leadership.
“I definitely feel more comfortable,” Nubin said. “Last year, I was just running around with my head cut off. Now, I know what to expect.”
Nubin, who missed the last few games of 2024 with an injury, underwent surgery but says rehab is progressing well.
“The staff has been amazing. The training staff, the doctors—they’ve all been on point. I’m attacking rehab every day.”
But perhaps his biggest statement came when he switched back to jersey No. 27, honoring his late Uncle Steve, a former cornerback at Michigan who played opposite Charles Woodson.
“It’s a family number,” he said. “My uncle, my dad, and his brother all wore 27 in college—without planning it. It means everything to bring that to the NFL.”
On the addition of Jevón Holland?
“I’ve been watching him since college,” Nubin said. “We’ve got similar skill sets, similar body types. I’m excited to play next to him. I think we’re going to ball.”
Brian Daboll: Establishing a Standard
Head Coach Brian Daboll has always emphasized process over prediction. And on Monday, that focus remained crystal clear.
“You don’t go too far ahead. You stay where your feet are,” Daboll said. “Right now, it’s about intros, expectations, and laying the groundwork.”
Daboll praised the leadership of Wilson and Winston, but he also stressed the importance of collaborative preparation with GM Joe Schoen and the coaching staff heading into Thursday night’s NFL Draft.
“Every draft is different. But once we decide who we’re picking, there’s consensus,” Daboll said. “The communication’s been great. We listen to our scouts, our coaches, our assistants—everyone’s voice matters.”
When asked how he balances running practices with evaluating draft prospects, Daboll didn’t flinch.
“From 8 a.m. until the players are done, I’m 100% focused on the guys in the building. Then we turn our attention to final draft prep. It’s a rhythm. A lot of dialogue, and a lot of respect.”
The Blueprint is in Place
With all the quotes, insight, and first impressions from Monday’s availability, one thing is clear: this version of the Giants is being built with deliberate intent.
From Wilson’s on-field precision to Holland’s cool demeanor, from Theo’s excitement to Nubin’s heart, and from Daboll’s consistency to Schoen’s planning, this is a franchise rediscovering its identity.
It’s not about headlines. It’s not about hype.
It’s about putting in the work, trusting the process, and creating a locker room that reflects the city it plays for: tough, united, and ready to rise.
“It’s always better when the players are in the building,” Daboll said. “Now we get to work.”
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