The College Career and NFL Journey of Daniel Jones
Daniel Stephen Jones III, born on May 27, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an American professional football quarterback. Nicknamed "Danny Dimes" and "Indiana Jones," Jones has navigated a career marked by both promise and adversity. This article explores his journey from high school standout to NFL player, detailing his college performance and professional career.
Early Life and High School Career
Jones attended Charlotte Latin School, where he showcased his talent, accumulating 6,997 passing yards and 98 touchdowns. Despite his stellar high school performance, his college recruitment was relatively modest.
College Career at Duke University
Daniel Jones played college football at Duke University.
Early Years at Duke
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Growing into the Starting Role
In college, Jones developed into a confident and capable quarterback.
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Notable College Performances
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College Statistics and Achievements
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NFL Career
Draft and Initial Expectations
The New York Giants selected Jones with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Shortly after, Jones signed a $25.6 million rookie contract with the Giants. Despite a stellar preseason, Jones was named the backup behind Eli Manning.
2019 Season: Rookie Year
Jones made his regular season debut on September 8 against the Dallas Cowboys, completing 3-of-4 passes for 17 yards and losing a fumble in a 35-17 loss. Following an 0-2 start, head coach Pat Shurmur named Jones the starter over Manning for Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his first NFL start, Jones completed 23-of-36 passes for 336 yards, achieving a 112.7 passer rating, with two passing touchdowns, 28 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns, leading a 32-31 comeback win against the Buccaneers, despite two fumbles. He became the first Giants rookie quarterback since 1980 to win his first career start. On September 29, in his second start, Jones led the Giants to a 24-3 victory over the Washington Redskins.
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During a Week 6 game on Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots, Jones threw for 161 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in a 35-14 loss. In Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, he threw for 322 passing yards and four passing touchdowns in a 31-26 defeat. In Week 10 against the New York Jets, Jones threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-27 loss. In Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, Jones played through an ankle injury, throwing for one touchdown and three interceptions in a 31-13 loss.
With the Giants at 2-10 and Jones nursing an ankle sprain, Manning started the next two games. In Week 16, Jones returned, throwing a career-high 352 passing yards and five passing touchdowns as the Giants defeated the Redskins in overtime 41-35. He became the fifth rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdown passes in a game.
2020 Season
After Eli Manning retired, Jones was named a team captain in his second season, marking the fourteenth consecutive season that the Giants' starting quarterback served as a captain. During Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jones had an impressive 80-yard run, before tripping near the endzone. In Week 17 against the Cowboys, Jones completed 17-of-25 passes for 229 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception in a 23-19 win, helping the Giants finish with their best record since 2016.
2021 Season
In Week 12 against the Eagles, Jones suffered a neck injury, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
2022 Season
After winning the Wild Card Round against the Vikings 31-24, Jones made NFL history by becoming the first player with 300+ passing yards, 2+ touchdown passes, and 70+ rushing yards in a playoff game. In 2022, Jones' fourth season, the Giants made their first playoffs since 2016 and won their first postseason game since 2011.
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2023 Season
On March 7, 2023, Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Giants. In Week 5, he sustained a neck injury in a loss to the Miami Dolphins and was relieved by Tyrod Taylor. Having missed three games, he returned in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he injured his knee in the first quarter.
In his first start since November 5, 2023, Jones led the team to a Week 1 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 9 against the Commanders, Jones threw his first touchdown pass at MetLife Stadium in 672 days. The following week, Jones and the Giants traveled to Munich, Germany, to play against the Carolina Panthers. With the Giants' defeat in Germany, Jones had led the team to five straight losses heading into their Week 11 bye.
2024 Season
On November 18, 2024, Jones was benched in favor of Tommy DeVito due to his performance. On November 22, Jones asked to be released by the Giants, a request granted by owner and president John Mara. Jones concluded his six-year tenure in New York with a 24-44-1 record as a starter.
2025 Season
On March 13, 2025, Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year, $14 million contract. On August 19, Jones was named the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. In his Colts debut against the Miami Dolphins, Jones completed 22 of his 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown, as well as two rushing touchdowns. In the Week 2 win against the Denver Broncos, Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 316 yards, with a touchdown pass to Jonathan Taylor. Against division rivals Tennessee Titans, Jones completed 18 of 25 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown.
Style of Play and Strengths
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Career Statistics
Longest quarterback run: 80 yards (October 22, 2020, vs. Philadelphia Eagles). Most passing touchdowns in a single game by a rookie quarterback: 5 (December 22, 2019, vs. Washington Redskins).
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