Xavier McKinney Named Captain for the Giants

With the preseason coming to a close and final roster cuts being made, teams are also beginning to name their captains for the upcoming NFL season.

Xavier McKinney was voted as a captain on defense for the New York Giants, a decision made by the team’s players.

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“It means a lot,” McKinney told reporters after the team’s practice on Tuesday. “It’s obviously an honor to be voted by my teammates… It’s honoring and I’m happy, but (I) gotta keep going and getting better each day.”

McKinney joins DL Dexter Lawrence, DL Leonard Williams, and CB Julian Love as captains on defense for the Giants, while QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, and OL Andrew Thomas captain the offense.

The third-year defensive back out of Alabama had a breakout season in 2021, leading the NFL in interceptions by a safety with five, and was the only player in the league with 90+ tackles, 10 pass deflections and five interceptions.

McKinney is due for another big year with the Giants, and will look to build upon the success of last season after being chosen to wear the “C” on his shoulder.