Tyrone Tracy Jr. spent last summer just trying to make the team. That was his only goal. Just find a way onto the 53, hit the holes, catch passes, and prove he belongs. Now, he’s the starting running back for the New York Giants after one of the most out-of-nowhere seasons in recent Giants history.
It wasn’t exactly supposed to unfold this way. Not after Saquon Barkley left for Philly. Not after Devin Singletary went down in Week 4. Tracy was supposed to rotate in, maybe get a couple of looks a game, and develop behind the 28-year-old seven-year vet. Instead, the rookie took over in Week 5 and never looked back. He finished with over 1,100 scrimmage yards, six total touchdowns, and a spot on the All-Rookie Team. He instantly became a bright spot in a bottomless pit of misery.
So when the second-year Purdue product says he’s aiming for 1,500 rushing yards and 2,000 all-purpose yards this season, it’s not nothing. Even with Singletary back in action and rookie Cam Skattebo entering the room, his confidence hasn't wavered... and Giants fans should take notice.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. ready to carry Giants run game in Year 2
Tracy’s still wired the same way. He talks about the game the same way he runs: directly, physically, and without pretense. His whole approach is about imposing his will until someone breaks. In his mind, there’s nothing more dominant than running the ball down someone’s throat and making them live in that space for four quarters.
When asked about his mindset, the 25-year-old responded: "Inflicting my will, running the ball until we can't. And then when you try to stop it, we throw it. I think that's my mindset, personally."
That mindset is why the staff trusts him. Tracy’s focused on being reliable, protecting the ball by any means necessary, and proving last year's success wasn’t a fluke. And every time he checks his phone, the reminder’s right there.
His lock screen, which he showed Newsday on Thursday, lists exactly what he wants out of 2025. It reads:
- 1,500 rushing yards and 2,000 all-purpose yards
- 15 touchdowns
- Pro Bowl
- NFL Network’s Top 100
- All-Pro
Needless to say, if Tracy checks off even part of that list, it means Big Blue finally has a back who can help put the Barkley era in the rearview. Because that’s what 2025 is really about — turning the page. The second-year runner could, and should, be a major part of that. He'll have to stave off the dogs in Singletary and Skattebo, but if his lofty goals are any indication, he's not giving up RB1 without a fight.
He already proved he can be the lead back even on a struggling team. Now Tracy's out to prove he can become one of the league's best.