EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Colt McCoy grew up in Buffalo Gap, a West Texas town with fewer than 500 citizens located 200 miles from Dallas. Despite the distance, young Colt became a parishioner in one of the state's dominant religions.
"I was a big Cowboys fan, a big Troy Aikman fan," McCoy said today. "I kind of grew up in their glory days when they won all those Super Bowls. I think as a kid, if you love football, you kind of love the Cowboys growing up in Texas."
Given the rooting interest of his youth, McCoy does see irony that he is preparing for his seventh consecutive season playing for one of the Cowboys' fierce NFC East rivals. After six seasons with the Washington Redskins, McCoy last week signed as a free agent with the Giants to back up second-year quarterback Daniel Jones.
"I don't love the Cowboys anymore," McCoy confirmed. "I played for the Redskins and now I'm moving on to the Giants, so my Cowboys days are way in the past. I'm happy about it. My family, on the other hand, they still are just shaking their heads a little bit. But we're all good.
"I think they rooted for the Cowboys whenever they weren't playing the Redskins. Every time we played in Dallas, I had to get a lot of tickets for friends and family. I would tell them, 'If you wear blue and I find out, you're never coming back.' Now they can wear blue, but a different kind of blue."
McCoy has played in the NFL since joining the Cleveland Browns out of the University of Texas as a third-round draft choice in 2010. He has thrown for 6,080 yards and 29 touchdown passes in 40 career games. But after starting all 21 games in which he played his first two seasons, he has started just seven games since, including one last year.
Along the way, McCoy has learned exactly what it takes to be a good backup quarterback.
"It takes a lot," he said. "I think being a backup is hard. You put in a lot of time, and it may come down to one half during the whole season. I think it's a mind game within yourself. The most important thing is what I do during the week is all to help the starter. To help Daniel be prepared to go out and play his best and feel confident and be an extra coach in the quarterback room, an extra set of eyes and ears to really just be beneficial to him. To make sure he feels like he can go out and play to the best of his ability for the team. Secondly, I take on the responsibility of being ready to play in case something happens. That's my job and responsibility.
"I have a way of doing it, of approaching it. Yeah, we'd all like to be the starter, no doubt. I've been on both sides in my career. But I feel really good, I feel really strong, and I feel like I bring a lot of value. I know coach (Joe) Judge and coach (Jason) Garrett (the offensive coordinator) felt the same way."
View photos of the career of veteran quarterback Colt McCoy.
Colt McCoy (12)
Colt McCoy (12)
Colt McCoy (12)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) makes a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) directs the offense before the snap of the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) looks to throw during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scrambles during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Colt McCoy (12)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) hands off the ball to running back Wayne Gallman (22) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Colt McCoy (12), Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scramble during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Colt McCoy (12)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett talks to quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Colt McCoy (12)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) looks on during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday September 1, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Colt McCoy (12)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Colt McCoy (12)
Colt McCoy (12)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, October 27, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) throws a pass during a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, November 30, 2014 in Indianapolis. The Colts won the game 49-27. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Redskins 47-16. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy huddles with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy, right, talks with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Browns beat the Packers 27-17 in an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) works against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) celebrates his touchdown throw to Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul (84) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Green Bay Packers in Landover, Md., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run with Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) during the NFL regular NFL game against and the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs out of the pocket against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins wide receiver Trey Quinn (14) and quarterback Colt McCoy (12) celebrate a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy hands off to Chris Ogbonnaya against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL Football game on November 13, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. St. Louis won 13-12. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) celebrates running back Adrian Peterson's touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Washington Redskins' Colt McCoy lands in the end zone for a touchdown after a shot run as Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) watches during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) and wide receiver Rashad Ross (19) celebrate connecting for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) congratulates running back Silas Redd (24) after his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, October 27, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) sits in the pocket as he passes during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, in Murphy, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) scores a touchdown on a seven-yard run during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, October 27, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, left, celebrates a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts with quarterback Colt McCoy, center, and wide receiver Pierre Garcon `during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws a pass during the NFL week 14 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won the game 14-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, October 27, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Washington Redskins wide receiver Rashaad Ross (19) celebrates a touchdown pass with teammate Colt McCoy (16) agains the New York Jets, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, Washington, D.C. The Redskins defeated the Jets 22-18. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run with Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) during the NFL regular NFL game against and the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run with Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) during the NFL regular NFL game against and the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Washington Redskins' Alex Smith (83) and Spencer Long, carrying Colt McCoy (16), celebrate a long pass caught by Rashad Ross for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) drops back to pass during the NFL week 14 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won the game 14-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs from the pocket in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, in Cleveland. McCoy passed for 192 yards and one touchdown in the Browns' 24-10 loss. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs the ball during the NFL week 14 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won the game 14-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy walks off the field after the Browns beat the Green Bay Packers 27-17 in an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy warms up before the Browns play the Detroit Lions during an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws the ball in an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates his touchdown run with Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) during the NFL regular NFL game against and the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy comes jubilantly off the field after teammate Peyton Hillis scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter against the New England Patriots in their NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy points out a play over guard Eric Steinbach (65) and offensive tackle Joe Thomas in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy passes against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy calls a play at the line during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis, top, jumps into the arms of quarterback Colt McCoy after scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. The Browns won 27-19. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) passes during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy gives instructions in an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy reacts after teammate Peyton Hillis scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter against the New England Patriots in their NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy turns to hand off the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12), in the grasp of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Larry Hart, right, throws a pass to Browns' Peyton Hillis (40) for an 11-yard touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) runs for a 16-yard touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Cleveland. The rookie quarterback led the Browns to a 34-14 win over New England. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 18: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns lifts up Peyton Hillis #40 after a touchdown during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Browns defeated the Colts 27-19. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Washington Redskins' Colt McCoy (16) and Roy Helu (29) celebrate a touchdown run by McCoy during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) celebrates after he scored a touchdown on a seven-yard run during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, October 27, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) dives into the end zone in front of New England Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (95) on a 16-yard touchdown run in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Cleveland. The Browns beat the Patriots 34-14. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns receiver Benjamin Watson (82) celebrates with quarterback Colt McCoy after catching a twelve yard touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010. The Steelers won 28-10. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
North All-Star quarterback Colt McCoy (14) looks to hand off to running back Derek Dumas (3) during the first quarter of the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game in San Antonio, Tuesday, July 26, 2005. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy talks to reporters during a media availability in Newport Beach, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. Texas plays Alabama in the BCS Championship NCAA college football game on Thursday, Jan. 7, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy talks to reporters during a media availability in Newport Beach, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. Texas plays Alabama in the BCS Championship NCAA college football game on Thursday, Jan. 7, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy celebrates after Texas defeated Ohio State 24-21 in the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game in Glendale, Ariz., Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy sings the "Eyes of Texas" with the team after the Longhorns beat Missouri 56-31 in their NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Erich Schlegel)
Heisman finalists Sam Bradford, left, of Oklahoma, Colt McCoy, center, of Texas, and Tim Tebow, of Florida, pose for a photo after The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy throws against Ohio State during the first quarter of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game in Glendale, Ariz., Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) flashes a hook 'em horns sign after beating No. 1 Oklahoma 45-35 in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Texas sophomore quarterback Colt McCoy speaks during an interview Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, in Austin, Texas. Saturday's 28-21 loss to Oklahoma dropped Texas to 0-2 in conference play for the first time in 50 years. Texas goes to Iowa State Saturday, where the Longhorns will be expected to snap their Big 12 losing streak against the hapless Cyclones. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy speaks to reporters during the Big 12 Football Media Day Wednesday, July 23, 2008 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is congratulated by fans after the Holiday Bowl football game against Arizona State Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007 in San Diego. McCoy was the offensive MVP in Texas' 52-34 win. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) passes against Oklahoma in the third quarter of their NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, in Dallas. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero)
Texas quarterback Colt McCowy (12) celebrates with teammates after they defeated Iowa in the Alamo Bowl football game in San Antonio, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006. Texas won 26-24. McCoy was names offensive MVP. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas' quarterback Colt McCoy (12) and wider receiver Billy Pittman (2) give the hook 'em horns sign after they came from behind to win their football game, 35-31, against Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy looks toward receivers while under pressure from the Baylor defense during first-quarter action in their college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, in Austin, Texas. McCoy set a Texas touchdown passing record in the game. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
FILETexas quarterback Colt McCoy celebrates their 28-10 win over Oklahoma in a football game in this, Oct. 7, 2006, file photo in Dallas. McCoy is a big reason the Longhorns are favored to win the South Division. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy celebrates the team's 28-10 win over Oklahoma in their football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) and linebacker Rashad Bobino (44) celebrate after beating Oklahoma, 28-10, in their football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy celebrates the team's 28-10 win over Oklahoma in their football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) celebrates a touchdown against Oklahoma in the 4th quarter in their football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, in Dallas. In the background is cornerback Aaron Ross (31). (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) laterals the ball to a teammate as Ohio State tackle Quinn Pitcock (90) applies pressure in the fourth quarter of a college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006. Few teams manage a two-minute offense like No. 7 Texas. Over the last 18 games, the Longhorns have scored either a touchdown or field goal in the final two minutes of the first half 15 times, providing the extra punch to demoralize an opponent heading into the locker room. Last year's rout of Oklahoma was among the best examples. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy celebrates his touchdown to Limas Sweed in the 2nd quarter against Oklahoma with center Lyle Sendlein (62) in their football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Texas redshirt freshman quarterback Colt McCoy, right, notes the defensive alignment before the snap during first quarter action in his team's 56-7 victory over North Texas Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, in Austin, Texas. Running back Jamaal Charles is on the left. McCoy delivered just what Texas needed in his college debut: a victory with big plays and no mistakes. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is surrounded by team members singing "The Eyes of Texas," after a scrimmage held by the defending national champions Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006, in Austin, Texas. Defensive tackle Derek Lokey is on the left. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas running back Jamaal Charles, left, heads for left end after taking the handoff from quarterback Colt McCoy, right, during their 56-7 victory over North Texas Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, in Austin, Texas. Texas is set to host Ohio State Saturday in Austin. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas redshirt freshman quarterback Colt McCoy prepares to pass to a receiver during first quarter college football action against North Texas Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas red shirt freshman Colt McCoy waves off a couple of teammates before an interview Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, in Austin, Texas. It was announced earlier that he would be starting quarterback for the third-ranked Longhorns' season opener Saturday against North Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas red shirt freshman Colt McCoy waits his turn while a teammate on the left is interviewed Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, in Austin, Texas. It was announced earlier that McCoy would be starting quarterback for the third-ranked Longhorns' season opener Saturday against North Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
ADVANCE FOR WEEEKEND EDITIONS, AUG. 12-13 Texas redshirt freshman quarterback Colt McCoy shouts to an offensive player before calling the snap during the Longhorns first workout Monday, Aug. 7, 2006, in Austin, Texas. The national champion Longhorns must find a quarterback to replace Vince Young, who turned pro. McCoy played his high school football in Tuscola, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas head football coach Mack Brown, left, talks with quarterback Colt McCoy during the Longhorns workout Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006, in Austin, Texas. McCoy has been named starting quarterback for the season opener against North Texas on Saturday. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (12) celebrates with the trophy following their win in the NCAA college football Big 12 Conference championship game against Nebraska, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. Texas won 13-12. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Texas freshman quarterback Colt McCoy, right, is shown throwing a warm-up pass on Saturday, April 1, 2006, in Austin, Texas. Another freshman quarterback, Jevan Snead is in the background on the left. Spring college football practice for the national champions concludes with their annual Orange-White intrasquad scrimmage. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Tuscola Jim Ned's Colt McCoy, left, passes around the defense of Kountze's Fred Boykins and Randall Harper, right, during their Class 2A championship game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, March 12, 2005. Kountze won 77-64. (AP Photo/Deborah Cannon)
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, right, reaches out to feed a porcupine as defensive end Brian Orakpo, back left, looks on during a Holiday Bowl event at the San Diego Zoo, Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 in San Diego. Texas will face Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl football game, Thursday Dec. 27 at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
When the free agency signing period began, McCoy "was ready for a change and a new scene." He didn't know where that would lead him but didn't expect it to be East Rutherford. "I really didn't know anybody there," he said. But the more he talked to Judge and Garrett – with whom he was familiar from competing in the same division – the more he was convinced the Giants were the perfect fit.
"I look at it as a really cool challenge, to come in and learn and grow within a system that I haven't played in before, and to a team that has a lot of talent," McCoy said. "It has new coaches, they kind of have a new breath of life. I just kept coming back to this attraction that, 'You know what? I've been in a lot of systems before, and this just feels right.' (The coaches) talked to me about sort of their goals and their focus and their philosophy of how they see this playing out. I slept on it and prayed about it with my wife (Rachel), and every day felt more and more like this is what I'm supposed to do."
He is especially looking forward to working with Jones, whom he saw play twice in person last season. McCoy was on the Washington sideline on Dec. 22, when Jones became the first rookie in NFL history with at least 350 passing yards, five touchdown passes and zero interceptions in a game in the Giants' 41-35 overtime victory.
"Being in the same division, you watch everybody's tape because you're playing the same opponents all year long," McCoy said. "I think for being a rookie, Daniel played great. I enjoyed watching him from afar. Daniel is super talented. I think there's a big jump to be made, but his future is so bright."
The coronavirus pandemic has prevented McCoy from meeting with Jones face-to-face, but the two players – who will be joined by veteran quarterback Alex Tanney – have begun to develop a partnership.
"Daniel and I have had several conversations," McCoy said. "I think most importantly, it's just 'Man, I know you had Eli (Manning) in there and you understand the value of a great quarterback room. I don't want that to change. I've got your back. I'm fully supportive of you. I want to just come in, help you grow, help you learn and help us as a team figure out how we can go out and win each week.' I think it's going to be real exciting.
"My biggest concern is that we're going to have to learn this offense together virtually amidst all the things going on in our world right now. That can be a real challenge. But we're up for it and we'll do our best to really do what we can until we can actually get up there together and grow as a football team."
McCoy has the added responsibility of moving his family – including five and three-year-old daughters and a 20-month-old son – from Austin to the metropolitan area.
"Growing up in far west Texas, I never thought I would live in New York," he said. "I don't know where I'm going to live yet. Probably whatever building or place I'll live will have more people than Buffalo Gap.
"But I'm excited about it. I feel a little bit rejuvenated…There is an excitement and a fire that I have that I hadn't felt in the last few years."
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