Daniel Jones didn’t play a single snap for the Minnesota Vikings last season, but that didn’t stop him from learning and growing as a quarterback. As the backup to Sam Darnold, Jones took every opportunity to soak in as much information as possible, and it seems to have paid off for him. After his first start with the Indianapolis Colts, Jones opened up about his time with the Vikings and how it has helped him become a better player.
Jones, who was drafted by the New York Giants in 2019, spent the 2020 season with the Vikings as a backup quarterback. While he didn’t see any game action, he used his time on the sidelines to observe and learn from Darnold, who was the starting quarterback for the Vikings at the time.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to be with the Vikings last season,” Jones said. “Even though I didn’t get to play, I was able to learn a lot from Sam and the coaching staff. I took every chance I had to watch and study the game, and I believe it has helped me tremendously.”
Jones’ hard work and dedication during his time with the Vikings have not gone unnoticed. In his first start with the Colts, he threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team to a 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. His performance caught the attention of many, including his former teammate Darnold.
“I’m so proud of Daniel and what he has accomplished,” Darnold said. “He was always eager to learn and improve, and it’s great to see him succeed. I have no doubt that his time with the Vikings played a significant role in his growth as a quarterback.”
Jones’ success with the Colts has not only been a testament to his hard work but also to the impact of his time with the Vikings. He credits the coaching staff and his teammates for helping him develop as a player and prepare for his first start.
“The coaches and players at the Vikings were incredible,” Jones said. “They welcomed me with open arms and were always willing to help me improve. I learned a lot from them, and I’m grateful for their support and guidance.”
Jones’ honesty about his time with the Vikings is refreshing, especially in a league where competition and rivalries are prevalent. Instead of harboring any resentment towards the team that didn’t give him a chance to play, he chooses to focus on the positive aspects of his experience.
“I have nothing but respect for the Vikings organization,” Jones said. “They gave me an opportunity to be a part of their team, and I will always be grateful for that. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and my time with the Vikings has only made me a better player.”
As Jones continues to make strides in his career, he remains humble and grateful for the lessons he learned with the Vikings. He hopes to continue to improve and make a positive impact on his team, just as he did in his first start with the Colts.
“I am excited for what the future holds,” Jones said. “I am grateful for my time with the Vikings, and I will always carry the lessons I learned with me. I am looking forward to continuing to grow and improve as a player, and I am determined to make the most out of every opportunity I am given.”
In the end, Jones’ story serves as a reminder that every experience, whether big or small, can have a significant impact on our lives. His time with the Vikings may have been short, but it has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on him, both as a player and as a person. And as he continues to make a name for himself in the NFL, he will always remember the lessons he learned with the Vikings and the role they played in his journey to success.
