Daniel Jones was released from the New York Giants last month, and he never had anything bad to say about his former team. After months of bashing, why is the NFL community showing him love now?
Daniel Jones Sends Giants Offensive Lineman a Surprise
It is always nice to see players show their personalities, on and off the field, and Jones is no exception. Jones is currently making positive headlines for a classy gesture.
Given all of the backlash that he has received for the amount of money that he has made relative to his performance, it was nice to see him use it for good.
Daniel Jones with a class move. He may not be the Giants QB anymore but … he sent all the offensive linemen who were on the roster with him a limited edition bottle of Clase Azul.
Jones was benched and released by the Giants last month. He’s on the Vikings practice squad.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 20, 2024
Jones recently gifted each Giants offensive lineman a bottle of Clase Azul, a top-shelf Mexican tequila that costs thousands of dollars and comes in a beautiful bottle.
Many fans praised Jones for the gifts.
“Classy gesture from Daniel Jones, showing appreciation for his offensive linemen despite the change in teams,” one fan said.
Classy gesture from Daniel Jones, showing appreciation for his offensive linemen despite the change in teams.
— Hina shoukat (@hinashoukat01) December 20, 2024
Others pointed out that this in line with Jones’ character, as he always seemed to be a positive presence off the field (even when he wasn’t producing on the field).
Always appeared to be a good teammate and person. Wish it worked out in NY, but…. good luck to him with the Vikes.
— Abduco (@the_abduco) December 20, 2024
Other fans were quick to crack jokes about the situation.
“He sent them alcohol cause he knows being on the Giants makes you wanna drink.”
He sent them alcohol cause he knows being on the Giants makes you wanna drink.
— Jon from Maspeth (@JonFromMaspeth) December 20, 2024
Given all of the noise around the team, gestures like this were probably why he never seemed to lose the locker room.
Players may have been frustrated with losing, but that continued after he was cut, as star rookie Malik Nabers recently pointed out.
Interesting quote: #Giants WR Malik Nabers says postgame that evidently the losing wasn’t Daniel Jones’ fault & adds he’s tired of it. Giants lost 30-7 to the #Bucs today & fall to 2-9 on the season.pic.twitter.com/tsPIMxSPuR
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 24, 2024
After five and a half seasons as the starting quarterback of the Giants, Jones is currently a member of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.
What Is Next for Jones?
While Jones has found a home in a new organization that has clinched their spot in the playoffs, it remains to be seen what is next for him.
When asked why he chose to join the Vikings, Jones said, “You look at offensively what they’ve been able to do, the system, coach [Kevin] O’Connell and his staff. Just a lot of good things happening across the board as a team and organization, and on offense especially, just excited to join that and help out where I can.”
Feeling wanted by a team that has very different goals than the Giants has to provide a much-needed confidence boost for Jones, and there is no doubt that joining Minnesota was a wise decision.
It is expected that once he is fully up to speed on the Vikings playbook, he will be the primary backup to QB Sam Darnold, who he could learn a thing or two from. Darnold is a perfect example of determination after falling down, especially as both called MetLife Stadium their homes for the start of their NFL careers.
While this season was among his worst, one could argue that he performed better this year than last, even after losing Saquon Barkley to their division-rival Philadelphia Eagles.