The New York Giants are headed back to the playoffs thanks in large part to quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley.
The two former first-round picks have persevered and turned their careers around. Barkley has overcome years of injury issues, while Jones has overcome constant change and an underwhelming supporting cast.
Some view their resurgence as a reflection on former general manager Dave Gettleman, who faced heavy criticism for drafting each. But whether he deserves credit or not, he’s thrilled to see their success.
“I’m proud as hell, they both persevered and fought through,” Gettleman told the New York Post. “You talk about mental toughness, for Saquon to fight through those injuries and not getting a contract and being forced to play out his fifth year, he had to have a lot of confidence in himself, show some mental toughness.
“And Daniel, the same thing. He’s in his third system in four years. Of course I’m proud of them. I’m really happy for them. It’s not because it justifies me. It justifies them.”
Barkley is one of the favorites to win the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award. And while Jones isn’t in line for any year-end awards, he did receive a standing ovation in Week 17 and the chants of “MVP.”
Both players have won over New York, which is not an easy thing to do.
“It’s been proven time and time again, you draft a kid in the first round, you’re the New York Giants or the New York Jets, he better be able to handle New York,” Gettleman said. “Because it ain’t easy.
“New York’s a tough place and it’s a tough place when things aren’t going right. I’m just proud they stuck to it and not been bothered by things that are written and said. I’m thrilled for those kids. They’re good people. Good young men.”
But it’s not just Jones and Barkley who are thriving. Several other Gettlman picks and acquisitions are also leading the charge for the Giants. Defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams, left tackle Andrew Thomas, and safeties Julian Love and Xavier McKinney have all contributed.
“Am I happy the guys are doing well? I’m thrilled,” Gettleman added. “Daniel and Saquon and Andrew Thomas and Dexter, where do you want me to stop? I’m thrilled they’re all playing well. They’re maturing as players and they’re getting coached.”
Ultimately, Gettleman says, he never doubted that Jones would find his way.
“I’ve always been confident with the pick. You look at the quarterbacks that have been brought in, that are getting drafted high, people were just taking shots and taking chances. A lot of GMs and owners acquiesce to the media and public opinion. You take a guy with the sixth pick in the draft, if you don’t believe he’s gonna be successful, what planet, what are you doing? I’ve never backed off of the pick, never once did I ever shake my head and say, ‘Boy, did I (expletive) up.’ Not once,” Gettleman said.
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