The New York Giants have turned the page on training camp and preseason, officially moving into regular-season preparation for their Week 1 opener in Washington. Head coach Brian Daboll, general manager Joe Schoen, quarterback Russell Wilson, and wide receiver Malik Nabers all spoke this week, and the themes were unmistakable: leadership, accountability, health, and belief.
From the announcement of team captains to injury updates, from Nabers’ evolution as a vocal presence to Wilson’s immediate impact, the Giants are shaping their identity. Add in the roster moves following cutdown day and an upcoming fan kickoff event, and it’s clear the organization is striving to start 2025 with a strong sense of direction.
Here’s a deep dive into the latest news and notes from East Rutherford.
A Leadership Core: Giants Announce Five Captains
The Giants officially revealed their five team captains for 2025, chosen entirely by player vote:
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Russell Wilson (QB)
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Dexter Lawrence (DL)
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Brian Burns (OLB)
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Bobby Okereke (ILB)
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Darius Slayton (WR)
Unlike in past years, where captains were divided into offense, defense, and special teams, this season’s process was simplified. Each player submitted five names, ranking them one through five, and the top vote-getters became captains.
Daboll was clear about leaving the decision in the hands of the roster: “All five of those guys are good selections by the players. Other guys got votes — Chris Manhertz is a good example — but these five stood out.”
The mix of positions shows balance across the roster. Wilson, the new face of the franchise, immediately commands respect. Lawrence and Burns anchor the defensive line and pass rush. Okereke provides stability and leadership in the middle of the defense. Slayton, the longest-tenured receiver, connects veteran voices to a young and talented offensive unit.
Andrew Thomas and Theo Johnson: “Day by Day”
Injuries remain a concern as the Giants ramp up for Week 1. Two names dominated Daboll’s update session: Andrew Thomas and Theo Johnson.
Thomas, one of the NFL’s premier left tackles, returned to padded practice for the first time but is still being handled cautiously. Daboll avoided predictions: “He’s day by day. He’s getting better, sometimes we pull back, but he’s doing everything he can.”
The absence of Thomas has created valuable opportunities for James Hudson and rookie Marcus Mbow. Daboll singled out Mbow’s progress: “He has the right mindset, some toughness, and he’s improving every day.”
At tight end, Theo Johnson is also inching closer to readiness. His status was one reason the team released Greg Dulcich during cutdowns. Again, Daboll leaned on his refrain: “Day by day.”
The Giants need both players. Thomas is essential to protecting Wilson, while Johnson brings size and versatility to an already competitive tight end room.
Player-Driven Leadership
If there was a theme to Daboll’s presser beyond injuries, it was player-driven leadership.
He praised players for staying after practice to go over details — receivers working on route timing, defensive backs discussing coverages, quarterbacks meeting with linemen.
“They do that on a regular basis. It’s player-driven, and I think player-driven leadership is important,” Daboll said.
The quarterback room itself has become a strength. Between Wilson’s professionalism and Jameis Winston’s vocal energy, Daboll believes the diversity of personalities helps. “Each player has a different leadership style, and I encourage them to be themselves,” he said.
That emphasis on authenticity has carried over to Malik Nabers.
Malik Nabers: Quiet No More
Nabers enters his second season with heightened expectations. His rookie year showcased his talent, but he was reserved, still learning his place. In Year 2, he is stepping up as both a playmaker and a leader.
“It’s not natural, personally, but sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone,” Nabers said. “If we want everything to go right this season, your best players have to do those things.”
Daboll has praised Nabers’ improved habits — how he takes care of his body, how he studies film, how he communicates. Wilson, too, has noticed the difference: “Malik’s been a great communicator. He sees things extremely well and he’s stepped up as a leader.”
The two worked out together in San Diego during the offseason, bonding on and off the field. Nabers has the locker next to Wilson’s, further strengthening their connection.
“We’ve been on the same page a lot,” Nabers said. “That connection’s going to keep growing.”
For the Giants, Nabers represents the future. For Wilson, he represents the present — a dynamic receiver ready to help redefine the offense.
Russell Wilson’s Imprint
Wilson hasn’t been a Giant for long, but his influence is already evident.
From the moment he walked into the facility, teammates praised his work ethic and intentional leadership. His captaincy was expected, but it reinforced how quickly he has won the trust of his peers.
“Leadership is a daily process,” Wilson explained. “You’re never done leading. It’s how you go about your business, how you prepare, how you communicate.”
Wilson emphasized intentionality — in film study, in workouts, in conversations with teammates. He’s been seen meeting with Daboll privately, spending extra time with receivers, and bonding with teammates at dinners.
As for Week 1, Wilson is already locked in on Washington and Dan Quinn’s defense. “They do a lot of things well. You know it’s a division game, you know the significance, but you focus on the moment. You don’t want to get too high too early.”
The Quarterback Room: Strong and Stable
The Giants believe they’ve built one of the league’s strongest quarterback rooms.
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Russell Wilson brings leadership and pedigree.
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Jameis Winston adds energy and experience.
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Jaxson Dart, the rookie, has impressed with how quickly he’s learned.
Schoen admitted Dart exceeded expectations: “With rookie quarterbacks, it usually takes time. Jaxson was able to execute at a fast pace. That was a pleasant surprise.”
Still, Schoen made clear: “Russ is our quarterback. That’s what we’re rolling with.”
The group lost Tommy DeVito, claimed by the Patriots. Wilson joked that they’d miss the “Italian Stallion,” but called it a positive outcome for his teammate.
Roster Construction: Schoen’s Fourth Cutdown
This marked Schoen’s fourth roster cutdown since becoming GM. He admitted the 2025 roster feels closer to his long-term vision.
Depth has been bolstered, especially along the offensive line and edge rusher groups. Leadership has been deliberately added in nearly every room.
Notable moves included claiming Beau Brade (safety) and Rico Payton (cornerback) off waivers. Both are expected to contribute on special teams and provide depth.
Late-round pick Thomas Fidone II earned his roster spot with strong preseason performances, while the practice squad is filling with familiar names like Tomon Fox, Jordan Riley, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Dante “Turbo” Miller.
Schoen emphasized the importance of those players: “The way it works now is you need those guys. They’re critical for depth.”
Building a Culture
For both Daboll and Schoen, roster construction isn’t just about talent — it’s about culture.
Schoen explained: “You wish you could have 53 Pro Bowlers, but you won’t. What you need is guys who understand their role and execute it. That’s what we’ve built.”
Daboll added: “We’ve had a good training camp and good spring. But now we have to go out and do it.”
Both emphasized that leadership, accountability, and chemistry have grown compared to previous seasons.
Giants Fan Kickoff Event at American Dream
Before the regular season begins, the Giants will host a free fan event at American Dream in East Rutherford on Friday, Sept. 5, presented by Verizon.
The schedule includes:
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Fan Zone (2–6 p.m.): youth activities, autographs, Lombardi Trophy photo ops, live DJ.
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Main Stage (6–8 p.m.): Wilson, Nabers, Tyrone Tracy, Jevón Holland, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux preview the season with hosts Madelyn Burke and Brandon London.
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WFAN’s “Evan & Tiki Show” broadcasting live.
Admission is free, but tickets are required for the main stage.
The event is as much about entertainment as it is about sending a message: the Giants want fans to feel the energy and unity that they hope defines 2025.
The Final Word: Quotes That Define the Giants
As the Giants inch closer to kickoff, the words of their leaders frame the story:
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Daboll on captains: “All five of those guys are good selections by the players.”
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Schoen on roster construction: “I like the team, I like the chemistry, I like the leadership. Now we have to go do it.”
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Nabers on growth: “It’s not natural, but sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. If we want everything to go right this season, your best players have to do those things.”
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Wilson on leadership: “Leadership is a daily process. You’re never done leading. It’s how you prepare, how you communicate, and how you carry yourself.”
Together, those voices paint a clear picture: the Giants are building a team not just of talent, but of belief.
Wilson summarized it best: “We believe in each other. No matter how much praise we get or how much criticism comes, it’s about us. Now we have to go do it, one game at a time.”
For the Giants, the calm before the storm is nearly over. The storm arrives on Sept. 7 in Washington, and this team insists it will be ready.
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