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A year ago at this time, Logan Ryan was a free agent who was aiming to switch from cornerback to safety. He was on the radar of several teams, but things were slow moving as the veteran sought the right opportunity.
That opportunity came in the form of reuniting with New York Giants head coach Joe Judge, who had been a special teams assistant and coordinator with the New England Patriots during Ryan’s time there.
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Ryan signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Giants but it didn’t take long before Judge and the organization realized they needed to keep him around for a while.
Accordingly, the Giants signed Ryan to a three-year contract extension through 2023.
“The Giants were the perfect opportunity for me because, honestly, it comes down from the top of the organization itself and Joe Judge. I mean, we just had an honest conversation; a candid conversation. He gave me the opportunity to come in and be myself. I believe he believed in me and he gave me the opportunity to lead,” Ryan told ‘Good Morning Football‘ on Wednesday.
“He allowed me to put my imprint on this young team and really allowed me to shine and show my work ethic. I just try to come in with that first one in, first one out mentality and really try to earn my stripes on this team.”
A year later, Ryan could not have more respect or admiration for Judge.
“I am really grateful for those times last year vying for a job and telling people what I can do, but all I really needed was the respect from one coach and that honesty. I’ll run through a wall for [Judge],” Ryan said.
Looking ahead to the 2021 season, Ryan not only expects himself to play better, but he expects the Giants’ very deep and talented secondary to play better as well.
In fact, Ryan is so confident in the unit that he’s not concerned with matching up against anyone in the league.
“We’ve got a confident group. We’ve got a talented group, obviously,” Ryan said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who are comfortable with the top matchups; who are comfortable with taking on that role when need be. . . We’re not going to lack confidence and we’re not afraid to matchup with anybody.”
Ryan refused to make any sort of predictions for the Giants or the secondary, saying he’s “not in that business,” but again expressed a confidence in himself and the group. However, he cautioned that hard work and bonding are still required because football is a “sacrificial sport” and you don’t win on paper.
You also don’t lose on paper, which is why Ryan also dismissed the relentless criticism of quarterback Daniel Jones.
“We’re all supporting Daniel. He’s got his teammates’ respect and he’s got the organization’s respect, and he’s earned that,” said Ryan, who also remarked on Jones’ work ethic.
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