You’ve got to love the passion that NY Giants veteran Jihad Ward plays with. The linebacker, who signed this offseason with the G-Men, is wasting no time in stepping up as a leader for the defensive unit. This means he’s taking it upon himself to make sure that No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux is always focused.
Despite Thibodeaux rocking a red jersey during minicamp, Ward is making sure that the rookie is still giving it his all during other drills and workouts. You think Ward is going to settle for anything less than 100 percent? Absolutely not.
NY Giants LB Jihad Ward is constantly pushing Kayvon Thibodeaux
"“I’m on his ass, you know what I’m saying – I’m on him,” Ward said. “I’m making sure he studied the playbook and stuff like that because I don’t want him to play slow. I don’t want none of my guys to play slow… that goes for all positions, but him, he’ll be ready. He’ll definitely be ready.”"
That’s a powerful quote right there from Ward and it’s certainly something head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale enjoy seeing. Thibodeaux of course has huge expectations for this season, but he’s also a humble young man who’s ready to work. He’s not a diva in any way at all.
Even if he was, Ward wouldn’t stand for it and he’d be ready to put the first-rounder in his place. That’s not the case here, though, as Ward is taking Thibodeaux under his wing and making sure he’s putting the youngster in the best position to play his best. Yes, Thibodeaux may be rocking a red jersey at minicamp due to injury, but the training wheels will certainly be taken off come Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans.
Once that kickoff arrives, No. 5 will be ready to rock and light up the field. He’ll also be ready to put plenty of pressure of Titans signal-caller Ryan Tannehill. Ward will be ready to do the same, as he’s getting ready for his first taste of action with the Giants. Ward signed with New York after previously suiting up for the Ravens, Colts, Raiders and Jaguars.
While Ward may not be known as a superstar in the league, he’s poised to have a strong year with the Giants and help the defense be steady as can be. It goes without saying, but Ward will be all set to keep pushing Thibodeaux from start to finish this fall too.