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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones spent just one season playing alongside Eli Manning, but that was more than enough to prove valuable.
On Wednesday, Jones reflected on his time with Manning and what that meant for him and his career.
“Obviously, a legend of this game, a legend of this franchise and what he represented, how he played for so long. Being able to be with him my first year was awesome for me. It was a huge opportunity and it’ll be cool to see him recognized,” Jones told reporters.
“[It was] just a tremendous opportunity to learn and to watch him, to be able to talk to him and ask him questions, watch how he went about his work and how he carried himself. On the field, how he played, how he prepared and then off the field in the building, dealing with teammates and leading this organization.”
It’s easy to see Manning in Jones at times, especially in how the 24-year-old handles himself under pressure and in front of the media.
Jones also admits that he remains in contact with Manning these days, and still picks his brain at times.
“We’ve certainly stayed in touch and check in every now and then. He’s always kind of been someone who’s been willing to answer questions,” Jones said. “I think in his position he’s not in our meetings every day and I think he understands that. But like you said, he’s played a ton of football and knows how to play the game and knows what it’s supposed to look like. He’s been helpful for me.”
Ultimately, Jones says, the biggest thing he’s learned from Eli over the years is to carry himself appropriately and maximize his work ethic — something that certainly showed itself this offseason.
“I think it was just day in and day out the way he prepared and the way he carried himself. I think anyone would expect a guy that successful and who has played that long at a high level, that he has a certain way to prepare,” Jones said. “I think that’s expected, but being able to kind of see it day to day and him go about it, being able to see him interact with teammates, interact with people in the facility, with staff members, and the leader that he was kind of in all aspects of the organization and for this team.
“Consistent. Extremely consistent. He never got bored with doing the fundamental things on the field, whether it was footwork – working on something as simple as a three-step drop or a five-step drop. You’d hear him talk about his footwork a lot and kind of a lot of those things and I remember that sticking with me early on. This is a guy that’s played a lot and he’s still focused on day one fundamentals and the little things. The little things were always extremely important, and he was just extremely detailed and specific in all of his preparation. That carried through to every aspect of his game.”
Manning will have his No. 10 jersey retired at halftime of Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. He will also be added to the team’s Ring of Honor.
It will be up to Jones to cap off Manning’s special day with a victory.
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