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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones spent parts of six seasons with the New York Giants, but six weeks with the Minnesota Vikings helped Jones understand some of the “next level” things quarterbacks need.
Jones, 28, explained how his preparation has changed compared to 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, to watch film, to study. And I think that’s what I did,” Jones said during a recent appearance on “Fitz & Whit.”
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 5, 2025. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
“But then going to Minnesota, I saw how Sam (Darnold) prepared, how (head coach Kevin O’Connell) prepared these guys, (quarterbacks coach) Josh McCown, (then assistant offensive coordinator) Grant Udinski, this team and how detailed they were day in and day out on every little piece of the plan and how they’re going to study it, what they are looking for, going through it, questioning each other in the shift room. That made a big impression on me and I thought, OK, maybe this is the next level of some of this stuff. »
The Giants released Jones in Week 12 last season, and he signed with the Vikings in Week 13.
After his short 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 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 taken the nickname “Indiana Jones” since joining the Colts, helped the team to a 4-1 record. In five games, Jones has completed 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 star enjoyed some success with the Giants, including a playoff victory. But he played some of 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 October 5, 2025. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
Jones was 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 for the Vikings.
The Colts’ next game is against the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) at home on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
