[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbx61yex5whq8aq player_id=none image=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
The New York Giants officially announced their captains for the 2021 season on Monday, including three first-timers in safety Logan Ryan, center Nick Gates and kicker Graham Gano.
“To me, the important thing for a captain is they’ve got to set the tone for the team in how they work, how they perform, and also how to put the team first,” head coach Joe Judge said.
[vertical-gallery id=673784]
“They have to be the example of the most unselfish players on the team. The other important role for captains in any locker room is they’ve got to be the voice of the team directly to the head coach. So, if there’s an issue, or if there’s something that needs to be addressed, they’ve got to be someone who the team trusts to speak for them on their behalf and make sure that the issue is getting addressed. It’s important that these guys are good players who put the team first, and also have good communication as well and are not afraid to speak their mind.”
In addition to Gano, Ryan and Gates, quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, linebacker Blake Martinez and safety Jabrill Peppers will also wear the “C” on their chest.
For Barkley, this represents the third time he’s been voted a team captain. Jones, Martinez and Peppers have each been voted in for the second time.
“They’re players who demonstrate on a daily basis how they put the team first,” Judge said. “They’re obviously good players and they’ve earned the respect of their teammates.”
Not only is Ryan a first-time Giants captain, it’s the first time he’s ever been a captain before.
“It’s captain Logan now, guys. That’s how I want to go from here on out. I’m telling my wife to call me that and my kids. I’m excited,” Ryan joked with the media after practice on Monday.
“The peers voted for me, so honestly, I just don’t want to disappoint them, and I take that seriously. I think there’s a responsibility you have to have. I think there’s a responsibility you have to have as the leader of the locker room, which I always try to say I was — to really understand and make sure the coaching staff and the players are on the same page at what that may be. Really just address the guys needs in whatever that is. I’m kind of like that as an NFLPA rep and I’m kind of like that anyway. I just take it more seriously because the guys voted me. Honestly, it’s the first time in my nine-year career I was voted captain, so I’m excited that I can accomplish that and I’m excited for the team.”