Daniel Jones: Stats Today | NFL | Contract | Personal Life | Colts

Daniel Jones, nicknamed “Danny Dimes,” is off to a strong start in his new role as starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. After several turbulent years with the New York Giants and a short stay with the Minnesota Vikings, Jones landed in Indianapolis on a one-year deal and has already made headlines. Below is a full breakdown of his most recent performance, contract details, career trajectory, personal life, and what analysts expect moving forward.

Quick Snapshot: Daniel Jones Today (Week 1, 2025 Season)

• Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards, 1 passing touchdown and 0 interceptions.

• On the ground, he added 7 rushes for 26 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

• His passer rating for that game was ~115.9, and his QBR ranked among the top for that week.

• Significantly, the Colts scored on every possession Jones led in the season opener, an impressive and rare feat in NFL history.

• This marked the Colts’ first season-opening win since 2013, breaking a long cold streak.

Career Overview: Where He Came From

Early Life & College

Daniel Stephen Jones III was born on May 27, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended Charlotte Latin School, where he put up strong high school numbers as a dual-threat quarterback. Although he was not heavily recruited, he joined Duke University as a walk-on and eventually became the starting quarterback.

At Duke, Jones started all 36 games from 2016–2018, threw for ~8,201 yards and 52 touchdowns, and added ~1,323 rushing yards with 17 rushing touchdowns. His leadership and performance caught NFL scouts’ attention, and he declared for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Draft and Giants Era

Jones was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Giants (6th overall).  Over his six seasons in New York, Jones showed flashes of promise mixed with inconsistencies, injuries, and criticism.

Some career Giants stats:

• Completion percentage ~64.1% (career)

• 70 passing touchdowns vs 47 interceptions through 2024

• Rushing yards ~2,179 and rushing touchdowns ~15 in his career to that point.

Despite a strong 2022 season that led New York back to playoff contention (including their first postseason win since 2011), Jones faced mounting criticism due to inconsistency.

In 2023, Jones signed a four-year extension worth $160 million, but injuries and performance issues limited his impact.

Midway through the 2024 season, after a series of struggles, he was benched and eventually requested a release from the Giants, which was granted.

Brief Vikings Tenure

After leaving New York, Jones joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad late in 2024 and was promoted to the active roster, but he did not see significant playing time. Daniel Jones stats today.

The Colts Move & Contract Details

In March 2025, Daniel Jones signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts worth $14 million. Of that, ~$13.15 million was guaranteed. The contract included a $6 million signing bonus.

The Colts made it clear at signing that they intended to hold an “open competition” for the starting quarterback job between Jones and their young talent Anthony Richardson.

However, as training camp progressed, Jones impressed the coaching staff with maturity, leadership, and command of the huddle — secure, consistent decision-making — and was officially named the Week 1 starter prior to the season opener.

Some analysts have questioned whether Jones fully “earned” such a contract, given prior inconsistencies, but many also view the contract as a relatively low-risk move by Indianapolis, banking on a player with experience and a chance to bounce back. Daniel Jones stats today.

Stats Comparison & Analysis

Career Totals (through 2024)

• Passing attempts: ~2,241; completions ~1,437 (~64.1% completion rate)

• Passing yards: ~14,582 yards before joining the Colts

• Passing touchdowns: ~70; interceptions: ~47

• Rushing yards: ~2,179; rushing touchdowns: ~15

• Career passer rating ~84.3 (pre-Colts)

Recent Performance vs Expectations

Jones’ Week 1 showing with the Colts was notably efficient. His completion percentage (~75.9%) was among his best, and he avoided turnovers while producing both passing and rushing scores.

Beyond the raw numbers, Jones demonstrated poise under pressure, sustained drives, and good chemistry with his receiving corps (notably Michael Pittman Jr. had a 27-yard TD catch).

The Colts offense looked cohesive, and Jones’ ability to lead seven straight scoring possessions in his first game with Indianapolis is a strong statement. Daniel Jones stats today.

What Analysts Are Saying & Future Outlook

• Many analysts see this as a redemption opportunity for Jones — a chance to silence critics by performing with consistency and leadership in a new environment.

• Critics had labelled the signing a bit risky since Jones had struggled at times in New York, but the low-cost one-year nature of the deal made it appealing.

• The early signs are promising: the Colts now have a quarterback with experience who can make plays with his legs and arm, and who can lead an offense effectively.

• Much will depend on how the offense evolves, how the supporting cast (offensive line, weapons, coaching) holds up, and whether Jones can sustain efficiency and avoid turnovers.

• Expectations are moderate — he’s not expected to be a perennial MVP candidate, but if he can lead a winning season and produce reliable performances, he’ll likely earn another starting opportunity in the NFL.

Personal Life: Family & Relationship

Daniel Jones tends to keep his personal life private, but here’s what is publicly known:

• Jones’ parents are Steve and Becca Jones, and he has siblings including a younger brother, Bates, who played one season of college basketball at Duke.

• As of the latest publicly available information, Jones has been in a long-term relationship with Ella Bonafede, a former lacrosse player at Duke.

• Bonafede played lacrosse in high school and at Duke, and pursued further academic credentials (including a master’s in public health).

• Despite often being referred to as his “girlfriend,” it is not publicly known that they are married, and Jones does not appear to list a spouse in his official biographies. (Hence in this article we use “relationship” rather than “wife.”)

• The couple reportedly met while both were attending Duke.

What’s Next for Jones and the Colts

• After a spectacular opening game, expectations are high that Jones will maintain his role as starting QB for the Colts, at least through the early part of the season.

• The Colts’ offense under head coach Shane Steichen will likely lean heavily on Jones’ dual-threat abilities, and his ability to remain turnover-free will be critical.

• Defensive matchups, injury risks (for Jones or his supporting cast), and how the rest of the league adjusts will all play a role in whether this early success can translate into a winning season.

• If Jones continues to play efficiently, he may position himself for further opportunities — either a renewed contract with Indianapolis or interest from other teams.

FAQs

Q: What are Daniel Jones’ stats today?
A: As of Week 1, 2025, Jones threw for 272 yards, 1 passing TD, 0 interceptions, and rushed for 26 yards with 2 rushing TDs.

Q: What is Daniel Jones’ current contract with the Colts?
A: Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in March 2025, with ~$13.15 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

Q: Is Daniel Jones married? Who is his partner?
A: Daniel Jones is not publicly listed as married. He is in a long-term relationship with Ella Bonafede, a former Duke lacrosse player.

Q: How did Jones perform in his Colts debut?
A: Impressively — he completed 22/29 passes, avoided turnovers, scored two rushing touchdowns, and helped the Colts score on every possession. The performance broke the Colts’ long season-opening losing streak (they hadn’t won a season opener since 2013).

Q: What are analysts’ expectations for Daniel Jones in Indianapolis?
A: Many analysts view him as a stabilizing veteran presence who can lead an offense if supported well. While he’s not expected to be a perennial star, his experience, poise, and dual-threat ability give him a solid chance to revive his career, provided he remains consistent and avoids turnovers. Daniel Jones stats today.

Final Thoughts

Daniel Jones’ arrival in Indianapolis appears to be off to a strong start. After years of uneven performances, injuries, and controversies in New York, he seems to have found a fresh opportunity in a stable environment with a coaching staff that values his leadership and reliability. His Week 1 performance was not just statistically strong — it served notice that he’s still capable, confident, and willing to lead.

Whether he can sustain this momentum over a full season remains to be seen. Much will depend on team cohesion, offensive line stability, injury luck, and whether opposing defenses can adjust to his dual-threat style. But for now, Colts fans and NFL watchers alike have a reason to be optimistic about Jones’ resurgence.