Dion Lewis grew up a Giants fan, excited to live childhood dream

The New York Giants officially announced the signing of running back Dion Lewis earlier this week, giving the team a quality all-around back to spell Saquon Barkley when necessary.

But for Lewis, joining the Giants is about more than just finding his next paycheck — it’s about fulfilling a childhood dream to play for his favorite team.

New Giants RB Dion Lewis on why he chose to sign with the Giants: "I grew up a Giants fan. It’s always been in the back of my mind to play for them if I had the opportunity."

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) April 3, 2020

More than just putting on the blue, the Albany native says reuniting with head coach Joe Judge and playing alongside Barkley also factored into his decision to sign with the Giants.

On #NYG conf call, Dion Lewis says knowing coach Joe Judge, growing up a Giants fan and getting to play with @saquon all factored into his decision to sign with the team.

— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) April 3, 2020

#Giants Lewis on Judge – "he brings a lot of energy. he's very detailed-oriended."…"he's a great guy and i can't wait to work for him"

— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) April 3, 2020

Although Lewis admits Judge is an energetic, intense and detail-oriented person, he says there’s another side to the coach that players will love — a personal and comedic side.

Dion Lewis says the meetings with Joe Judge will be "lively'' and that Judge "has a lot of good jokes.''

— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) April 3, 2020

At 29 years old, some may wonder what Lewis has left in the tank, but he says his body feels fresh and his mind is clear. He admits he didn’t take too much of a beating while with Tennessee in 2019, and believes that will play a major factor here in 2020.

Dion Lewis: "My body is relatively fresh." He still feels he can make guys miss and will do whatever the Giants want him to do.

— Dan Salomone (@NYGsalomone) April 3, 2020