Daniel Jones entered New York with promise, seen as the quarterback who could lead the Giants to brighter days. Fans held high hopes and scrutinized every play. As the seasons passed, Jones’ inconsistencies became magnified under the harsh spotlight of New York media and fan culture.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) calls a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) calls a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Each mistake generated heated reactions on social media and in stadiums. The tension surrounding his tenure tells a story far beyond stats and achievements.
Daniel Jones Shakes Off New York Criticism And Thrives In Indianapolis
After a rocky end in New York, Daniel Jones revived his career with the Colts, leading them to a 6–1 start in 2025. Indianapolis signed him to a one-year, $14 million deal following his November 2024 release by the Giants.
Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. stated that the media’s portrayal of Jones while with the Giants was “completely off the mark”.
He believes Jones is a better player and person than depicted, suggesting Jones’ struggles in New York were due to not being in a system that helped his success.
“He got here and he was nothing like what the media portrayed him out to be,” Pittman said onMad Dog Sports Radio. “And I just could never understand why Dan was over hated where he was at prior.”
“He got here and he was nothing like what the media portrayed him out to be. And I just could never understand why Dan was over hated where he was at prior.”#Colts star WR Michael Pittman Jr. raves to @AdamSchein about Daniel Jones ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/XB60mRtoWE
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) October 23, 2025
Pittman emphasized that after Jones joined the Colts, the quarterback’s true character quickly became clear to his new teammates. The portrayal by the media was “completely off the mark.”
Pittman expressed confusion over the excessive negativity directed at Jones in New York, describing his new teammate as “a great dude, a great teammate, he’s a guy that you love to be around”.
The veteran receiver’s comments show how media coverage and system fit can shape a player’s public reputation. Jones’ struggles in New York were tied to a weak offensive line and coaching instability. At the same time, his quick success in Indianapolis is credited to a strong support system under head coach Shane Steichen.
Everyone in the Colts’ locker room agrees that the pressure in New York hid who Jones really is, both as a player and a person.
Social Media Turns Every Jones Turnover Into National Headline
Jones’ turnovers, especially fumbles, were a major cause of the Giants fan frustration and a focal point of intense media and social media criticism.
Following a 2024 game against the Carolina Panthers in Germany, a flea-flicker play where Jones failed to connect with two open receivers became a flashpoint.
Head coach Brian Daboll’s visible frustration on the sideline was caught on camera, further fueling the negative social media narrative about Jones.
Fan frustration occasionally turned into personal attacks. After a Week 1 loss in 2024, fans waited outside MetLife Stadium and heckled Jones as he left, with some even burning his jersey.
In a game against the Panthers in Germany, Jonesthrew an interception that bounced off a defender’s helmet. Social media ridiculed this mistake as an example of his poor decision-making.
The Daniel Jones experiencepic.twitter.com/ntKJtYHnuY
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 10, 2024
Even teammates felt the pressure. Insider accounts revealed how much the criticism weighed on Jones. Fans would chant during games and fill comment sections with anger, turning every mistake into a big deal.
Even Jones’ best plays were often forgotten because of his mistakes. While he showed talent with his athleticism and arm strength, frequent turnovers, especially fumbles, kept the criticism coming from both the media and online.