NFL star Daniel Jones has rubbed salt in the wounds of the New York Giants after waxing lyrical about life with the Indianapolis Colts.
The quarterback had spent five years in New York after being selected sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, before eventually being released during the 2024 season.
After spending part of the season with the Minnesota Vikings, he eventually signed a one-year deal with the Colts last year and earned his place as their starting QB.
He’s since helped the team go 4-1 to kick-start their new season while the Giants, on the other hand, have languished to a 1-4 start.
Now, Jones has spoken out about how his game preparation changed ever since leaving the Giants and explained why it’s been beneficial to his game.
During an appearance on the ‘Fitz and Whit’ Podcast, hosted by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth, Jones said: ‘I always thought I worked really hard, I tried to work really hard and it was important for me to prepare, watch film, study.
NFL star Daniel Jones waxed lyrical about life with the Indianapolis Colts during a podcast
Jones spent five years in New York before being released an eventually joining the Colts
‘And I think I did that. But then going to Minnesota, I saw how Sam [Darnold] prepared, how Kevin [O’Connell] prepared those guys, [quarterbacks coach] Josh McCown, [then assistant offensive coordinator] Grant Udinski… that crew’.
‘How detailed they were day in and day out on every little bit of the plan and how they’re gonna study it, what they’re looking for, walking through it, quizzing each other in the quarterback room.
‘That made a big impression on me and I was like, OK, this is maybe the next level of some of that stuff.’
Jones, 28, was cut by the New York Giants last year after a frankly astonishing downturn in form, two seasons after leading the team to the playoffs.
He was demoted to fourth-choice quarterback and eventually asked to be released from his four-year, $160million contract to pursue a fresh start.
After ending last season on the roster of the Minnesota Vikings, Jones signed a one-year deal with the Colts worth $14million – likely, in part, because he fancied his chances of dislodging Anthony Richardson as the starter – which he’s done.
When speaking about the decision back in August, Colts head coach Shane Steichen said: ‘He’s the starting QB for the season. I don’t want to have a short lease on that.
Jones was cut by the New York Giants last year after a frankly astonishing downturn in form
‘I thought the competition in camp was great between those guys. They both competed really hard.’
‘I think Daniel did a great job and AR has made strides… but I do feel he still needs to continue to develop. I spoke to both of them this morning. AR was great.
‘He knows he still needs to develop and learn. He knows he is one play away. I let them team know this morning. The team is supportive of Daniel but also supportive of AR and his new role. He has got to attack it the right way.
‘If something happens to Daniel at some point, AR gets another opportunity.’
