After five years with the Dallas Cowboys, offensive lineman Joe Looney tried to extend his career by signing with the Giants. But just four days after joining New York, Looney announced he was retiring from the NFL.
Looney was a late addition to New York’s training camp roster, added to provide depth at guard and center just as he had in Dallas for several seasons. But for whatever reasons, his first week as a Giant didn’t go as he’d hoped.
The #Giants are signing former #Cowboys C/G Joe Looney, source says. A reunion with Jason Garrett a year after he almost signed with them.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 31, 2021
Asked Joe Judge about Joe Looney: "This time of year, we're doing a lot of workouts to see who's available … We thought it was a good opportunity to bring in some linemen. This guy's got experience in the league, center/guard flex. Those older guys with flex are valuable." #NYG
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 1, 2021
Joe Looney is retiring, per source. The former Cowboys OL was signed recently to provide depth on the line. A surprising turn of events. #giants #cowboys
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 4, 2021
Joe Looney has decided to retire, his agent @adross77 tells me, as @JordanRaanan reported. Signed with Giants last Saturday and after three practices his body decided it was time.
Looney told Ross and NYG he had too much respect for game, coaches and players to just take a spot.— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 4, 2021
As comical as it is to think Looney took one look at the Giants and said, “nah,” the truth is his choice probably had more to do with his own circumstances. Still, one does have to wonder if the culture that Joe Judge is is trying to create in New York didn’t have something to do with Looney’s decision.
Judge is clearly trying to bring a hard-nosed, no mercy, Cobra Kai mentality to his team that he learned under Bill Belichick in New England. This old school approach may not sit well with some veterans depending on their NFL experience.
The Giants also had a “huge” brawl on the practice field Tuesday, partially credited to the tension and hostility in the air from Judge’s style. While it may not be connected in any way, it’s interesting that Looney retired the next day.
It’s no stretch to assume that Looney originally landed in New York because of their offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, and their time together in Dallas. It was Jason who saw Looney step in for Travis Frederick in 2018 and help get the Cowboys to the playoffs.
Maybe Looney just tried to give it a go and quickly realized he didn’t want it anymore. But as the third Giants player to surprisingly retire this summer, there has to be a little concern about how things are going in New York under Judge’s watch.
As Cowboys fans, we’ll just sip some ice tea and raise a glass to Joe Looney as he calls it a career. He provided tremendous value and some fun moments for Dallas from 2016-2020 and we hope he keeps smiling as he moves into the next chapter.
