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JAYLON SMITH: ‘NOTHING CAN STOP ME’

Former Cowboys captain Jaylon Smith is thrilled to be a Giant and confident that he’ll prove Dallas and Green Bay wrong for cutting him, although he’s only motivated to prove himself and his biggest supporters right.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Smith, 26, said in his first Giants interview at the podium Thursday. “(This is) my first year really dealing with the politics and business side of the National Football League. But I’ve been through so much, nothing can stop me. I’m gonna continue to work and continue to learn. I’m young and I’ve got a lot of ball left, and I’m playing at a high level.”

Smith made four tackles on 17 defensive snaps in his Giants debut, starting with a ferocious rundown of former Cowboys teammate Tony Pollard. Smith immediately stood up and jawed with his old mates on the Dallas sideline.

“Being able to make a dynamic play on my second play out there was a great opportunity,” Smith said with a smile. “Getting a chance to hit somebody who just happened to be my former teammate, that was a good thing. I got a little rowdy. All respect, though, all respect.”

Smith said he was working out in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind., when the Giants called to sign him last week, but his phone was off. Fortunately, he eventually got the message. And he’s already feeling right at home in New Jersey. He has more Giants ties than one would think.

His older brother, running back Rod Smith, was with the team from May-September 2019. Leonard Williams’ agent, Brandon Parker of Vayner Sports, is Smith’s cousin.

And Jaylon, a former Fighting Irish standout in college, noted “there’s a lot of Notre Dame love here” in both the front office and on the roster.

As for any difficulties adjusting to a new defense and team, Smith reiterated he can handle whatever is asked of him.

“I’m a pro’s pro. I’ll always be ready for the opportunity,” he said. “Getting here, learning the system, the coaches are doing a great job of giving me the basics and letting me play my game.”