Taiwan Jones is listed on the Giants’ roster as a running back, but he hasn’t actually carried the ball since 2019.
In fact, he only has 53 rushes over a 12-year career that has staying power because of his special teams prowess.
“A lot of respect any time a guy can play that long because it’s hard to do in this league,” said Matt Breida, the Giants’ No. 2 running back and personal protector on punts. “Because he’s one of the top gunners in the league, they are going to have to vice him — and that’s fewer rushers inside. You can’t single that guy — or whoever is against him is probably going to lose.”
The Giants are shorthanded on special teams because their backup receivers don’t offer much coverage experience and rookie Bryce Ford-Wheaton is sidelined after working as a gunner in training camp.“To be a good gunner, you have to have confidence. Speed helps. And be relentless,” Jones said. “Every time I go out there with the mindset that I’m the best person on the field, and it’s my job to prove that.
“More than half my career, what kept me going was the thought that I was going to get an opportunity to play running back,” Jones said. “Special teams is mano-a-mano, who’s better? When I’m in a corner, I’m really focused on trying to win.