“I’m extremely grateful”: Daniel Jones’ graceful message to Giants and fans shows character amid QB change fallout | NFL News – Times of India

As the New York Giants transition from the Daniel Jones era, the quarterback, once considered the successor to Eli Manning, shared his thoughts with grace and humility following his demotion. After nearly six seasons as the team’s signal-caller, Jones now finds himself in the third-string role, signaling a significant shift in the Giants’ plans for the future.

Daniel Jones reflects on his Giants journey

Jones began his media address with a heartfelt acknowledgment of his journey, expressing gratitude to the Mara and Tisch families and the Giants organization for granting him the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. “The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true,” he said, while acknowledging the relationships and memories he will cherish forever. Jones candidly admitted responsibility for the team’s struggles, emphasizing his dedication to the game and his accountability for their lack of consistent success.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and who help carry on that tradition. I met so many special people and created relationships that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and staff that have done so much for me the past six years.
“There have been some great times, but of course, we all wish there had been more of those. I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. Of course this season has been disappointing for all, and of course I wish I could’ve done more. I’m 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough, to help the team get the results.

Head coach Brian Daboll’s decision to bench Jones was seen as inevitable, given the Giants’ dismal 2-8 record and a league-worst offense averaging just 15.6 points per game. Despite signing a $160 million contract, Jones’ performance, particularly in the Week 10 overtime loss to the Panthers in Munich, highlighted persistent issues. His two interceptions and lack of touchdowns added to the growing concerns, culminating in Daboll’s decision during the bye week.
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Surprisingly, Tommy DeVito, rather than veteran Drew Lock, was named the starter, pushing Jones to the third-string position. This move underscored the organization’s readiness to move beyond Jones, with Tim Boyle added to the practice squad to further bolster the quarterback room. Jones’ reduced role was evident during practice, where he donned a scout-team jersey and participated as a safety during drills.
Reflecting on his future with the Giants, Jones expressed his intent to support DeVito and the team while processing his situation. He acknowledged that financial considerations, including an injury guarantee in his contract, likely influenced the team’s decision to sideline him. “It’s an unfortunate business side of the game,” he remarked, highlighting the pragmatic realities of the NFL.
Drafted in 2019 amid scrutiny, Jones’ tenure with the Giants included both flashes of brilliance and periods of struggle. A standout moment was the 2022 playoff run, where he led the team to an upset victory over the Vikings. However, his record as a starter, 24-44-1, reflects the challenges that defined his time in New York.
While Thursday’s session had the tone of a farewell, Jones’ focus on his next opportunity shows his unwavering commitment to the game. His departure from the Giants’ starting role marks the end of one chapter, but his story in the NFL remains far from over.