Locker Room Turned On Russell Wilson For His ‘Personality’ as Giants Move On to Jaxson Dart – Insider

You know what the offseason is for? Figuring out who plays and who warms the bench. But the New York Giants didn’t get the memo. Now, after three straight losses, they are turning to Jaxson Dart. But beneath this quarterback switch, a locker room divide is simmering.

Russell Wilson, a veteran known for his unshakable positivity and “Mr Unlimited” alter ego, has often been seen as the team’s leader off the field. But insiders suggest many players don’t buy his upbeat front.

CBS Sports insider Kyle Long cut through the noise, “I want to say this about Russell. The thing that has been lacking with Russell is guys that have played with him don’t necessarily feel like it’s real, OK? Sometimes they feel like he has formulated a personality to play quarterback.”

Reportedly, the Giants’ dissatisfaction with Wilson goes beyond on-field execution. They question whether his positive demeanor is a genuine mindset or just performance theater designed to project confidence. And this skepticism isn’t new.

“The thing that has been lacking with Russell is, guys that have played with him don’t necessarily feel like it’s real. Sometimes they feel like he has formulated a personality to play quarterback.”@Ky1eLong on the Giants benching Russell Wilson for Jaxson Dart. pic.twitter.com/WCdJtO3Mk7

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 28, 2025

Even last season, when Russell Wilson was with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his “toxic positivity” was a hot topic. Critics have called his attitude corny, fake, and a bit of a poser. Former teammates and analysts have labeled him “fraudulent” and “confused,” suggesting his personality lacks authenticity.

Kyle Long’s observation digs deeper: Wilson’s “formulated personality” feels like a mask. It comes across as rehearsed rather than real. That disconnect harms the locker room vibe. When teammates sense insincerity, it fractures morale and can stunt team chemistry. 

Even his mentorship attempt for Dart has been called out as more about protecting his job than uplifting the rookie. But Dart, currently QB1, has flipped the locker room script. 

Jaxson Dart wins over the Giants’ locker room

Unlike Wilson, Dart wears his heart on his sleeve. CBS Sports’ Kyle Long praised Dart for his toughness and willingness to battle: “When you get a guy like Jaxson Dart who comes in and wears his heart on his sleeve and is willing to fight for those extra yards, willing to put his body on the line, it means the world to a football team.” 

The Athletic’s Diana Russini highlighted how fired up teammates are for Dart’s debut. Giants head coach Brian Daboll adores the rookie, spending hours breaking down plays with him and praising his “spongelike” approach to learning. 

Team captains and players across the roster have shown overwhelming support, making calls and FaceTiming Dart to back him up. “And inside the Giants locker room, I’m told, they’re fired up. Several players on both sides of the ball, including team captains, reached out right away with calls and FaceTimes to let Dart know they’re behind him,” Russini wrote.

Jaxson Dart’s swagger and confidence have earned nods from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who sees in the rookie the leadership and preparedness every QB should have. “That’s what you want in a quarterback. Swagger, confidence, I think they’re kind of one and the same. How you want to define it, I just think Jaxson has that.”

Now, all eyes are on Jaxson Dart as he prepares to face the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. But his arrival is more than just about skills; it’s about resetting a locker room that appears tired of Russell Wilson’s inauthentic vibe. 

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