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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones spent parts of six seasons with the New York Giants, however, six weeks with the Minnesota Vikings helped Jones understand some of the “next level” things quarterbacks need.
Jones, 28, talked about how his preparation has changed since his time with the Giants and Vikings.
“I always thought I worked really hard, I tried to work really hard, and it was important for me to prepare, watch film, study. And I think I did,” Jones said during a recent appearance on “Fitz & Whit.”
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct. 5, 2025. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
“But then when I went to Minnesota, I saw how Sam (Darnold) prepared, how (head coach Kevin O’Connell) prepared those guys, (quarterbacks coach) Josh McCown, (then-assistant offensive coordinator) Grant Udinski, that team and how detailed they were day in and day out on every part of the plan and how they’re going to study it, what they’re looking for, going through it, interrogating each other in the quarterback room. That made a big impression on me and I thought, “Okay, this is maybe the next level of some of that stuff.”
The Giants released Jones in Week 12 last season and he signed with the Vikings in Week 13.
After his brief stint with the Vikings, Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job. Jones won the job and has prospered.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, California, on September 28, 2025. (Eric Thayer/AP Photo)
Jones called his short time with the Vikings “really valuable.”
Jones, who has adopted the nickname “Indiana Jones” since joining the Colts, has helped lead the team to a 4-1 record. Through five games, Jones has completed an astonishing 71.3% of his passes for 1,290 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 56 yards and three touchdowns.
The former Duke standout experienced some success with the Giants, most notably a playoff victory. But he has played the best football of his career for the Colts.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones throws before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct. 5, 2025. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
Jones went 28-45-1 with the Giants and, in those 75 games, completed 64.6% of his passes for 15,872 yards with 76 touchdowns and 49 interceptions.
Jones never appeared in a game with the Vikings.
The Colts’ next game is against the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) at home on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
