Daniel Jones embodies a quiet demeanor, his public image resembling that of an accountant rather than an NFL quarterback. When teammates are prompted for insights about him, they often respond with uncertain expressions and extended silences.
Even Jones himself is candid about it. “I don’t really do much besides this stuff,” he admits, referring to leading the NFL’s most efficient offense after a year filled with challenges, including a demoted role on the Vikings’ depth chart. This summer, he was largely overlooked as Anthony Richardson emerged as the frontrunner for the starting position with the Colts, a role the fan base largely favored Richardson for.
A Reluctant Star
Seeking the limelight has never been Jones’ style. One evening in New York, after a season-ending ACL injury, he arrived late to dinner with his former offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett. He explained that a jog and ferry ride into the city were thwarted by his injury, forcing him to catch an Uber instead. “These days, you’ve got NFL stars who won’t go anywhere without bodyguards,” noted Garrett, reflecting on Jones’ humble travel method.
Dedication and Routine
Upon arriving in Indianapolis, Jones quickly began winning over coaches and teammates with his established habits. Each Friday, he would review the playbook with his offensive coordinator over a plate of Bolognese pasta. In his quest for improvement, he now spends significant time studying film at the facility, often causing him to be late for team dinners.
During a quarterback meeting, Jones requested specific film clips to analyze, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail. This dedication complements the coaching style of Shane Steichen, who is entirely focused on football. Steichen appreciates Jones’ preparation, stating, “When you’re preparing like the way he does, you don’t blink.”
Transformative Change
The Colts find themselves at 5-1, leading the league in scoring and the division for the first time in years. Jones, once facing the lows of his career, has become a crucial asset, contributing to an impressive total of 194 points scored—the highest in franchise history through six games.
New Beginnings in Indianapolis
With the arrival of Jones, the Colts underwent significant transformations after a turbulent previous season. General Manager Chris Ballard recognized the necessity for change and brought Jones in on a one-year deal that indicated an open competition for the starting position. Jones proved himself through hard work and dedication, earning the job amidst fan skepticism.
The Colts’ atmosphere began to shift positively, led by Jones’ initiative to organize off-field training sessions. The team adopted a more dynamic practice style, allowing greater spontaneity and higher intensity, which contributed to improved performance. Players expressed a renewed sense of hope: “We’re having more good days on offense than we used to,” remarked offensive guard Quenton Nelson.
Future Prospects
While Daniel Jones has shown promise in his new environment, it remains uncertain how the season will unfold. Whether the Colts can maintain their early momentum through the later months is still to be seen. Garrett notes that regardless of outcomes, Jones’ attitude and work ethic remain consistent, emphasizing the need to keep improving. “He’s one of the hardest-working guys I’ve been around,” he reflected.
