New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett had not publicly answered questions from reporters since his departure from the Dallas Cowboys in January.
That finally changed on Tuesday afternoon when Garrett, dressed in a familiar blue, appeared on a Zoom conference call.
“I’m so lucky to have those people in my life,” Garrett said of the Cowboys. “I’m awfully proud of the teams we built and teams we had. I’m eternally grateful for that experience, and the people who made that experience what it was.”
Despite his great experiences with the Cowboys, Garrett and his wife felt New York was ultimately the place to be after their departure from Dallas.
“I love this game and I love the the NFL. When I got the chance to coach here, I couldn’t pass it up,” Garrett said.
Now with the Giants, Garrett is already looking ahead and is pleased to work with a quality talent like quarterback Daniel Jones.
“Playing as a rookie in the NFL is a challenge. Playing quarterback as a rookie quarterback is a real challenge. . . There is no question, he is a football guy,” Garrett said. “He clearly has ability. He has a big arm. He’s always trying to find a way to gain more knowledge and become a better quarterback.
“The thing you like so much about Daniel is his approach. He clearly has ability… he has all the tools you are looking for. But the thing that stands out is the approach he takes every day.”
Beyond just Jones, Garrett has also developed a tremendous respect for running back Saquon Barkley as both a person and a player.
“Talk about a first-class person,” Garrett said. “He’s a real joy to work with.”
It probably doesn’t hurt that Garrett and Barkley are on the same team now.
“We had to try to tackle him in Dallas and all of our energy was put on that,” Garrett said with a smirk.
It may be a different role for Garrett, but he’s clearly comfortable with the decision he’s made and where he is. That can mean only good things for the Giants.
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