New York Giants guard Jon Runyan Jr. is looking forward to the team's season-opening "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. For Runyan, playing under the lights against a division rival holds significant personal meaning, evoking memories of his childhood watching the NFL.
"Only show on in America at the time, playing against the Cowboys,’’ Runyan told The Post. “I love playing ‘Sunday Night Football’ because I just think back to times, me being in high school, still haven’t done my homework and ‘Sunday Night Football’ comes on, in my room, laying on the floor playing catch with the football and watching.
“I remember those days of watching by myself in high school and watching my dad [former NFL offensive tackle Jon Runyan] playing as well. I love it. There’s nothing better.’’
Runyan's current position with the team was solidified with a recent contract extension. After signing a three-year, $30 million deal in March 2024 with no guaranteed money beyond that initial term, he faced uncertainty about his future. However, he impressed during training camp under new head coach John Harbaugh, earning a two-year, $22 million contract extension with $21.5 million guaranteed.
This extension ensures that Runyan, Andrew Thomas, rookie Sisi Mauigoa, and Jermaine Eluemunor are under contract through at least 2028. John Michael Schmitz Jr. is the only starting offensive lineman currently in the final year of his rookie contract.
"I feel the way our trajectory has been going since 2024 as an offensive line, we keep these guys together that we have, I feel it’s just going to keep going up and up,’’ Runyan said. “As the offensive line goes, I feel that’s how the team goes and Year 2, Year 3 under Harbaugh, this thing is really going to skyrocket.’’
Facing a Revamped Cowboys Defense
The Cowboys defense presents a significant challenge, having undergone substantial changes from the previous season. Only three starters—defensive tackle Kenny Clark, safety Malik Hooker, and cornerback DaRon Bland—return to a unit that allowed the most points in the league in 2025. The remaining eight starting positions are filled by new personnel.
Dallas has also appointed Christian Parker, 34, as its youngest defensive coordinator in franchise history. Parker previously served as the Eagles' pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
"One of his really premium goals is to mix it up and be unpredictable,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of Parker. “That really takes a lot of communication. That takes a lot of coordination. Bottom line is, I think he’s got all the ingredients.
“Not only is he a motivator, communicator, but he’s got the ingredients to be a very strategic outstanding coach.”
Harbaugh's History Against Dallas
New Giants head coach John Harbaugh has a history of success against the Cowboys, holding a 4-1 record against them during his tenure as the Ravens' head coach.
"They’re always, I mean, the Cowboys are the Cowboys,’’ Harbaugh said. “They’re talented, they’re tough. They do it their way and they’ve got a bunch of guys, fast football team that flies around. A lot of talent on offense, they’re rebuilding their defense.”