New York Giants QB Russell Wilson this weekend issued a wildly flattering - and maybe a wildly politically correct - statement about why he signed in the Big Apple.
But either way, it feeds young receiver Malik Nabers and the Odell Beckham Jr.-level expectations that are part of his excitement and part of his burden.
As a 2024 rookie, Nabers received the second-most targets in the NFL (170), behind only Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja’Marr Chase, who won the receiving triple crown.
So Nabers is now a top-10 receiver and will be asked to do even more.
And Wilson is here for it.
Wilson is now insisting that if he had to list one reason as to why he signed here ... the reason is Malik.
"I came here because of him," Wilson said during a panel at Fanatics Fest over the weekend, via Empire Sports Media. "I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him."
That's a powerful six-word announcement. Surely there is something more to it all, right?
Money. Comfort level. Oh, and maybe the fact that other teams were not beating down Wilson's door.
But Wilson is known for those "moon ball'' deep throws, and Nabers can win there.
And head coach Brian Daboll's fate may be connected to making that connection work and to Nabers improving upon his 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns from last year.
Do all of that, and Nabers, who is indeed "special," can help Wilson seem like he is as well.