In the rough and tumble world of the NFL, joint practices have a tendency to stir up tension and brew animosity among teams. And the New York Giants certainly experienced their fair share of heated moments during their recent practice session with the Detroit Lions.
The intensity reached a boiling point on Monday, with tempers flaring and fists flying. Even quarterback Daniel Jones found himself caught up in the midst of the chaos, surprising his teammates and onlookers alike.
“Oh lord…Daniel got jiggy with it?” Giants edge rusher Brian Burns exclaimed in disbelief after witnessing Jones actively participating in the scuffle. “Daniel was out there with it? Yeah! I’m [going to] need him to back up. I’m [going to] need him to back up, let his O-line handle that. But yeah, nah Daniel, he’s a competitor man, he’s a fighter. I don’t expect nothing less from him, but I don’t need him in that, I don’t need him to get hit, keep him healthy.”
Burns’ reaction reflects a common sentiment among NFL players – quarterbacks, especially, should steer clear of physical altercations in practice to avoid unnecessary injury risks. Jones, in particular, has a history of health issues that have hindered his progression on the field. However, his willingness to show some aggression and stand up for himself could be a positive sign of his growth as a player, despite the risks involved.
When questioned about the incident afterwards, Jones brushed off his involvement, perhaps trying to downplay the situation and move on from the drama. But the fact that he was willing to mix it up with his teammates shows a different side of the typically reserved Duke alum, hinting at a newfound assertiveness that may benefit him in the long run.
As the Giants continue their training camp and prepare for the upcoming season, it will be interesting to see how Jones continues to evolve as a player and leader on the team. Hopefully, he can maintain his competitive spirit while also staying out of harm’s way – a delicate balance that could be crucial to his success in New York and beyond.
