I've seen this play before

I find myself feeling embarrassed for Russell Wilson.

I understand that this is my problem, not his. He’s not doing anything bad. In fact, he’s not necessarily doing anything new. But still, I’m cringing as he runs through the same playbook he’s been using for the past 13 years as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

🎤 Step 1: Drop a catch phrase

First, it was “Go Hawks!” Then it was “Let’s ride!” in Denver.

Now? Go Big Blue.

👔 Step 2: Celebrity couture.

As someone who has worn a bow tie in public as an adult, I do not have any business criticizing someone else’s choice in clothing. Also, the Met Gala is a place where overdressing is encouraged. Still, using a cane was certainly a bold choice as was the overcoat/cape.

🕶️ Step 3: Conspicuously cool

 He watched the Knicks play at Madison Square Garden immediately after signing with the Knicks. He sat courtside, in sunglasses, for Game 1 of the series against the Pistons.

In many ways, it’s admirable that Wilson has not let the results of the last few seasons affect either his confidence or the way he carries himself. He’s not someone who lays low or seeks to duck scrutiny, and that approach certainly gives him the best chance of bringing some stability back to his career.

Still, I find myself cringing. He’s carrying himself like the future Hall of Famer so many people thought he was just four years ago. Now, however, people don’t see him the same way.

He’s playing on his fourth team in five years, having signed a one-year contract with the Giants who not only used a first-round pick on a quarterback this year, but traded up so they could do so: choosing Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss.

There was a time when I would be very concerned about the impact of a presidential commission to regulate college football. That time, however, was back when I expected there to be logical, ethical principles guiding my favorite sport.

Thankfully, I am no longer burdened by this expectation. I accept, almost embrace, the anarchic lunacy, which has turned out to be one of the best decisions because it frees me up to find humor in the proposed shenanigans as I explained in this week’s column for The News Tribune.

• This could be absolutely hilarious | The News Tribune

  By Danny O’Neil, May 15, 2025

In searching for pictures of Russell Wilson at Knicks games, I came across this video of Colin Cowherd’s reaction to the 2022 trade that sent him to Denver:

Colin was right about one thing: That trade was absolutely lopsided.