Giants QB Daniel Jones Pledges Support Of Black Lives Matter Movement

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones released a statement Tuesday evening pledging his support of the Black Lives Movement.

“I proudly stand beside my brothers and the entire black community in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement to end systemic racism,” Jones tweeted. 

The 23-year-old Jones, who also included a longer statement with his tweet, said that he delayed issuing a response because he first wanted to gather information through “listening and talking with teammates and friends” before announcing anything publicly.

Jones, the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft, then went on to pledge his support of the entire black community and the Black Lives Matter campaign.

“I know this is complex, and I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I am determined and motivated to do what I can to ask the right questions and work with others to drive changed on this issue,” Jones said in his statement. 

“I acknowledge the fact that I will never truly understand how it feels to be on the receiving end of racial injustice, but I am committed to listening, learning, and taking action to stand up for others and make a difference in my community and in this country.”

Jones’ statement comes after the Giants held a virtual team meeting Friday to discuss the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests that have taken place around the country. The meeting was attended by team co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch.

Jones is not the first high-profile member of the Giants to speak up about the racial and social injustices against African Americans that came to a head following Floyd’s death while in police custody.

Last week, running back Saquon Barkley participated in a powerful video imploring the NFL to condemn racism and to admit being wrong in the league’s attempts to silence peaceful player protests such as kneeling during the National Anthem.

In response to that video, the NFL released a response from Commissioner Roger Goodell in which he admitted that the league was wrong for ignoring the pleas and the peaceful protests of its players.

“We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter,” Goodell said. “I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff.”