Giants' Gray Reveals Attitude Ahead of Second Season

Thursday night was the Eric Gray show in East Rutherford.

In front of the home fans, the New York Giants won their preseason opener, beating the Detroit Lions 14-3. Gray was New York’s best player, scoring the game’s only two touchdowns and securing two of the night’s longest gains.

For a back fighting for the spot behind veteran Devin Singletary’s depth chart, Thursday’s opener was a critical step forward. It also represented Gray’s growth as his NFL journey turned to Year 2.

The rookie transition is hard for virtually everyone making the leap to the NFL. Going from one of the bests on the field to a backup only makes that experience more difficult. But after a rookie season that saw just 17 attempts for 48 yards, Gray’s summer granted him perspective.

“I just wanted to put my best foot forward,” Gray said. “Like I said, I just want to be Eric Gray; just be me. Last year, I kind of made football more than it is. It's just football at the end of the day. Just being me.”

Gray finished the day with four rushes for 52 yards and two scores to go with four receptions on as many targets and 46 receiving yards.

After the game, he shared what changed about his mindset.

“That football is the same game I have been playing since I was four years old,” Gray said. “There is no difference. When you're young, people try to hype up that the NFL is a different league, but it's the exact same game that I've been playing since I was four.”

Related: What Did Giants Learn About Gray, Tracy in Preseason Opener?

Gray is currently jostling for playing time with rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. While both are essentially locked in to make New York's roster, third-down snaps and the first chance to spell Singletary is up for grabs. Both played well on Thursday, keeping momentum rolling as the regular season nears.

“It felt good,” Gray said. “That's what I do, that's my title: Running Back. To be out there to be able to be me, that felt good.”