Dear Daniel,
I've been meaning to write you for a while now, but just haven't found the courage to do it. With the 2020 NFL Draft almost here, I figured this would be the right time.
First and foremost, I hope you're staying safe and remaining healthy during these crazy times. I know you're probably preparing for next season as best you can with the limited resources we all have at our disposal right now. Hopefully you're able to execute Joe Judge's offseason workout program, and I'm sure you're reading up all you can on Jason Garrett's offense.
But that's not why I'm writing to you. No, I'm penning this letter because I must say something I should have months ago. It was Week 3 against the Bucs when you and the Giants pulled out the first win of the season, and I knew this needed to be said. So here goes nothing...
I'm sorry.
You may not know the background, but it all stems from this time last year: NFL Draft night.
As the draft began with you waiting anxiously in the green room in Nashville -- and me at my downtown Manhattan desk -- I sat in my chair, as you probably did, nervous. Why? Because all the signs pointed to Dave Gettleman taking you at No. 6 overall. And I was among those who believed that shouldn't happen.
I saw the analysis of so-so arm strength, too many interceptions and other red flags. I knew someone needed to be Eli Manning's successor, but I just didn't think it was you. And I said it to everyone I knew.
What I was hoping for, instead, was Kentucky DE Josh Allen sliding down to the Giants' pick, and Gettleman thinking he was too good to pass up. After all, he had another first-rounder at No. 17 to get you if he wanted.
It was a dream scenario that actually came to fruition: The Giants were up after Clelin Ferrell went to the Raiders at No. 4 and the Buccaneers took Devin White at No. 5. Allen was right there. It all lined up perfectly!
But the dream scenario was crushed when Gettleman handed in his card: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke.
There was a whirlwind of emotions, and it was captured for all to see thanks to my editor-in-chief...
Like a real professional, @tallmaurice knew to keep a camera on @raylucas06 after the Giants drafted Daniel Jones. He delivered. pic.twitter.com/rAyJEv3I60
- SNY (@SNYtv) April 26, 2019
Yes, there I am with my head in my hands, sulking. How could Gettleman pass up Allen? He wound up being a Pro Bowler for crying out loud and...OK, sorry that's not what I'm trying to get at here.
As you're reading this, you might be flashing back to that moment, too. I'm sure the reaction wasn't what you had hoped for when you walked across that stage to greet NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and take your first step into the NFL. While I was feeling sorry for myself and the team, you were getting battered by boos from fans in attendance, as well as Big Blue Nation.
Everyone was writing you off before they gave you a shot -- including me.
But you never let that deter you. You never listened to the noise. You handled the New York media's blunt questions with grace and class -- truly the Giant way.
I learned quickly once you got into training camp and started preseason games that there was no reason to root against you. The Giants believed they had found their guy.
That game in Tampa Bay, though -- that performance showcasing your grit, hustle, determination, and overall skill -- it made me realize how wrong I was to doubt you. When you ran into the end zone to deliver the eventual game-winning touchdown, my friends and I ran around the room like we'd just won the Super Bowl.
You brought some life back to the Giants that day. You continued to show that from there on out, going up against tough defenses, playing on the road in places like Philadelphia and New England. Yeah, you might have hit some bumps in the road here and there, but it's your first year. Who cares? (I do care about the ball security situation, though, so can we fix that please? I'd really appreciate that).
What I'm trying to say is I'm truly sorry for doubting your abilities to lead this team. You led all rookies in touchdowns with 24, including three games of four or more. You led the way to an overtime victory against the Redskins on the road in Week 16. And you celebrated by knocking back a few cold ones, playing flip cup with Eli and the boys at Green Rock... in your pre-game khakis and button down.
Anyway, I hope you can forgive me for judging you before I even saw No. 8 hit the field. I know now that you have what it takes to be the guy. I know my opinion doesn't matter much, but your front office and teammates have given their stamps of approval already.
I was wrong. But I know that I'm right when I say this: Giants fans are 100 percent on your side and can't wait to see what next season and the rest of your career has in store. Good luck, Danny Dimes.
P.S.: I think you should talk to Saquon about switching up your wardrobe. You don't need to copy Eli anymore. We can talk about that later.
Sincerely,
An embarrassed, naive Giants fan