Daniel Jones laughs a lot, not just when he's pleased, happy, or finds something funny. He also laughs when he hears a question he doesn't want to answer or is faced with a topic he doesn't want to think about.
It's not an actual smile, but more like a frown, a closed-mouth look, and a sheepish smile all rolled into one.
As everyone knows from “Hard Knocks,” how did it feel to have the Giants go after the top pick in the NFL Draft to acquire a quarterback – the guy who would eventually replace you?
Jones' facial expression: He smiles awkwardly before replying.
What did you think when co-owner John Mara said a while back, “We've done everything to ruin this baby”?
Jones' facial expression: He smiles awkwardly before replying.
Recently, he was asked to reflect on one of the most memorable and unique moments of his career: New Year's Day 2023.
First-year coach Brian Daboll made a quarterback change in the final minutes of a 38-10 win over the Colts, which clinched the team's first playoff berth since 2016.
Jones threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more touchdowns while rushing for 91 yards, a performance that prompted MetLife Stadium fans to chant “Daniel Jones, Daniel Jones!” before roaring in victory as he ran off the field, embracing Saquon Barkley and yelling “MVP…MVP!” Barkley told Jones, “I love you,” and the crowd erupted in cheers of approval.
“He deserved it,” Daboll said of the curtain call at the time.
This is what is up and what is down, what is hot and what is cold…
The following week, Jones played a starring role as the Giants defeated the Vikings on a trip to Minneapolis for the franchise's first playoff win since 2011.
But the home-field love-fest that took place a week earlier remains one of the most vibrant and endearing highlights of Jones' career.
A lot has happened since then, but from a footballing point of view, very little has created a positive atmosphere.
Does he ever remember the day he welcomed in the New Year in such a magnificent way?
At the right time, Daniel Jones flashed an uncertain smile.
“No, I haven't actually gone back and watched it, but I definitely thought it was a special moment,” Jones told The Washington Post while sitting in the locker room. “We did a lot of great things with that team, but I think it's important now to focus on what we do here and being the best team we can be in 2024.”
That's Daniel Jones, entering his sixth season with the Giants during which he has given outsiders little glimpse into his inner self.
There must be something more to it, right? Whatever it is, he's keeping it a closely held secret.
Given the immediate success of Joe Sean and Daboll's new regime and the potential Jones showed in 2022, keeping him as the quarterback for the next two years is a smart move.
The Giants did just that, but with the condition that they could walk away from Jones' four-year, $160 million contract after the 2024 season.
Jones has appeared in six games since signing the deal, missing three games in 2023 with a neck injury and then being sidelined in Week 9 with a torn right ACL.
He worked like crazy to return and expressed special “gratitude and appreciation” to Ronnie Burns (senior vice president of medical services), Lee Weiss (rehab director and physical therapist), Phil Buzzello (assistant athletic trainer), “the entire training staff,” Dr. Scott Rodeo (who performed the surgery) and Aaron Wellman (strength and conditioning coach) for helping him recover to the point where there is no sign of his reconstructive knee surgery except for the long black sleeve he wears on his right leg.
“I'm going to do it. I have to do it,” Jones said. “And it's their job to do it, but they didn't have to work that hard. They put in a ton of time and effort to help me get back, and I'm very grateful for that.”
If Jones doesn't produce this season, the Giants will likely let him go.
For now, he's happy to be back and is preparing for another season opener, Sunday at home against the Vikings.
“I miss it all,” Jones said. “Being involved in the preparation, practicing, game planning and then obviously being on the field is the culmination of it and being with my teammates is the most fun. And winning. When you get back in the locker room and celebrate, that's what you strive for. I've missed it so much. It's good to be back out there again.”
Jones will have a chance to make memories and elicit cheers from a fanbase that was skeptical he could do it.
But he's heard his name chanted before, so anything could happen.
