Apr 242017
 
Odell Beckham, Jr., New York Giants (December 22, 2016)

Odell Beckham, Jr. – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS PICKING UP OPTION ON ODELL BECKHAM, JR…
The NFL Network is reporting that the New York Giants will pick up the fifth-year option on wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr.’s rookie contract. That means that Beckham will not become a free agent until after the 2018 NFL season. Beckham will earn $1,839,027 in salary in 2017 ($3,311,063 overall cap hit, including prorated signing bonus), but will now see his salary spike to about $8,000,000 in 2018.

Beckham is one of the game’s best players and had another stellar season in his third year, starting all 16 regular-season games and finishing with 101 catches for 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his first three seasons, Beckham has accrued 288 catches for 4,122 yards and 35 touchdowns in 43 regular-season games. Beckham’s accolades already include Pro Football Writers of America “Rookie of the Year” (2014), second-team All-Pro (2015, 2016), and Pro Bowl (2014, 2015, 2016). All of this despite constant double teams by opposing defenses.

ARTICLES…

Jun 112015
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JUNE 11, 2015 NEW YORK GIANTS OTA PRACTICE REPORT…

The New York Giants completed their ninth of ten Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday. The Thursday session was not open to the media, but Giants.com did report some of the following tidbits:

  • Quarterback Eli Manning threw two touchdown passes in the 11-on-11 team drills, the first to wide receiver Preston Parker and the second to wide receiver Rueben Randle.
  • Quarterback Ryan Nassib threw a touchdown pass to tight end Adrien Robinson.
  • Wideout Rueben Randle was a frequent target in practice.
  • Wide receiver Corey Washington made a shoestring catch and caught a few other passes.
  • Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted a Manning pass intended for Randle in the end zone and returned the pick to the opposite end zone. (Video)
  • Cornerback Jayron Hosley broke up a pass intended for wide receiver Geremy Davis.
  • Cornerback Chykie Brown “forced a few incompletions.”
  • Place kicker Josh Brown was perfect in his field goal attempts despite windy conditions.

Phase Three (Weeks 6-9) of the New York Giants voluntary nine-week offseason program started two weeks ago. During Phase Three of offseason programs, NFL teams may conduct a total of 10 days of OTAs. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

The final OTA practice will be held on June 12. The Giants will hold a mandatory, full-team mini-camp on June 16-18.

Article on FB Henry Hynoski: Former Pitt fullback Hynoski keeps striving to be better by Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Article on WR Dwayne Harris: Giants’ return man Dwayne Harris experiencing learning curve at receiver in new offense by Nick Powell for NJ.com

Article on DT Kenrick Ellis: Giants’ nose tackle Kenrick Ellis hopes to capitalize on opportunity he missed with Jets by Nick Powell for NJ.com

Article on DT Jay Bromley: Candid Giants defensive tackle Jay Bromley reflects on lost rookie season, how he’s improved by Jordan Raanan for NJ.com

Article on LB Devon Kennard: Giants’ Devon Kennard set to make waves by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on Former Giants Running Back David Wilson: Ex-Giants RB David Wilson moves on from NFL and now dreams about reaching the Olympics by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Giants Town Hall Meeting Video Recap: A video recap of the New York Giants “Town Hall Meeting” is available at Giants.com.

Feb 112015
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York  Giants Waive RB David Wilson: The New York Giants have waived running back David Wilson, the team’s first-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Wilson suffered a season-ending neck injury in Week 5 of the 2013 NFL season in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He re-injured the neck on July 29, 2014 during training camp. Soon after a joint decision by Wilson and the Giants was made that it would be best for Wilson to retire from football. Wilson was officially placed on Injured Reserve a second time in August 2014.

New York Giants Officially Sign Center Brett Jones: Following up on yesterday’s update, the Giants have indeed officially signed Canadian Football League (CFL) offensive center Brett Jones. The 23-year old Jones has played center for the Calgary Stampeders for the past two seasons. He was named the CFL’s top rookie in 2013 and top offensive lineman in 2014.

“It has always been a goal and a dream of mine to play in the NFL,” said Jones in the team’s press release. “This is the first step, and I look forward to taking many more.

“When I was in university in Canada, my goal was always to try to play in the NFL. As a kid growing up playing games like Madden, it definitely was an influence. Some of the players on my team (in the video game) that I played with, they play in the NFL now. I always thought that I wanted to earn a chance.

“I am coming from the Canadian style, where (the defensive line is) one yard off the ball. I know that there is going to be a learning curve to that… Hopefully my pro experience will help me, but I understand there is going to be a learning curve and I look forward to that.”

Article on OC Brett Jones: Newest Giant Brett Jones’ former CFL teammates and position coach call him an ‘offensive coordinator’ on the field by Jordan Raanan for NJ.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning’s Giants future: fat new contract or lame duck? by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on DT Cullen Jenkins: Know Your Giants: DT Cullen Jenkins by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Aug 152014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (August 7, 2013)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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When David Wilson retired from the New York Giants due to complications with spinal stenosis that ended his NFL career after only three seasons, he mentioned his retirement was simply the end one chapter and beginning of another.

“I realize how much people have helped me along the way,” Wilson said. “When you push the pause button, you get to look at that. But I plan on pushing ‘play’ real soon. Moving on in future endeavors, I’m excited.”

It appears as if Wilson’s life has resumed play.

One week after appearing on ESPN’s NFL Live, Wilson will co-host NBC’s Pro Football Talk with Mike Florio and Dave Briggs. The trio will break down a few select NFL preseason match ups coming this weekend.

The Giants drafted Wilson in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and the Virginia Tech alum made a near immediate impact on special teams. The 23-year-old gained 1,533 kick return yards and scored a touchdown. He set an NFL record his rookie year versus the New Orleans Saints. In a 52-27 Giants victory, Wilson returned four kickoffs for 227 yards (including a 97-yard touchdown) and also ran for 100 yards and two additional touchdowns. He became the first player in NFL history with 200 kick return yards and 100 rushing yards.

Entering year two, Wilson was expected to lead the Giants rushing attack, but struggled early on holding on to the football. Versus the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson’s season ended when he suffered a ‘neck burner.’ When doctors sent Wilson for further tests, it revealed his spinal stenosis.

Wilson had vertebrae fusion surgery and endured a long rehabilitation process this offseason. Just eight days after receiving medical clearance, Wilson re-injured his neck and was advised by doctors to not continue playing football.

Wilson finished his NFL career with 504 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He returned 66 total kickoffs for 1,755 yards and one touchdown.

Aug 062014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (August 7, 2013)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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He could have let loose, yelled, screamed and reacted the way so many other 23 year olds would have if put in the same situation.

He could have asked ‘Why?’ Could have done back flips, run the 40-yard dash and showed all the skills that made him a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

He could have done all that and more. But David Wilson didn’t.

Instead, he climbed atop a podium overlooking the Giants’ practice fields. The same practice fields he’d collapsed to the ground on eight days before. He looked at the media, who anxiously looked backed. Then, he put everything into a perspective that was wise beyond his years.

“Even if one dream seems to fade away,” Wilson said with his signature smile spread across his face, “set another goal and set another dream and try to reach that.”

There was no remorse, no sadness and no anger in the voice of one who had every right to feel so. Even when his eyes filled with the tears that quickly rushed down his face, Wilson still managed to flash a smile and assure everyone his tears were that “of joy.”

It didn’t matter that spinal stenosis cut Wilson’s career short after just three years. The way Wilson saw it, he still got three years. He wanted to play in the NFL. He wanted to score touchdowns.

David Wilson, New York Giants (November 4, 2012)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“And I did that,” Wilson said.

He reminisced of his goals throughout his career, starting from pee wee and moving onto the NFL. When he was young, he wanted to be the fastest kid on his team. Then, he wanted to score a touchdown and be a starter. When he reached high school, he wanted to break and set records.

He wanted to live life the right way, making both of his parents proud. With each check mark he placed next to each of his goals, more and more people began to line up behind the speedy, bubbly, personable Wilson.

He became the fastest player on his team. He became a starter. He set records and lived life the right way. He was drafted into the NFL where that same bubbly and laughable personality managed to sneak up on any that crossed his path. Rarely could a teammate encounter him and not leave with a matching grin.

Wilson hasn’t stopped smiling. His personality hasn’t been stripped of him. The only thing gone is his title as a football player. But there was much more to him than that.

He was described by teammate Victor Cruz as the “heart and soul” of the team, someone who had an impact on the Giants. But that impact was felt just as much on the field, as off.

At least half of it still will.

David Wilson, New York Giants (October 7, 2012)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Wilson said he still isn’t sure exactly where this next phase of his life will take him. He’s thought about broadcasting and coaching. Then again, his life could take him in a completely other direction.

There’s no certainty. No guarantee. The only thing Wilson knows is that it only goes one direction from here.

“When life knocks you down, I always say plan to land on your back because if you can look up, you can get up,” Wilson said. “But if you’re flat on your face, that can kill your spirit. Always think of it in that aspect – if you can look up, you can get up.

“So far, I can look up and I plan on getting up and living my dream and setting another one for me to live out.”

Aug 052014
 
Craig Johnson, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Running Backs Coach Craig Johnson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today:

August 5, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Tuesday were WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring), Daniel Fells (knee), TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring), DT Mike Patterson (shoulder), LB Jon Beason (PUP – foot), and CB Bennett Jackson (ankle).

RB Peyton Hillis left practice early with an ankle injury.

LT Will Beatty (headache), Eric Herman (hip), DE Robert Ayers (ankle), Spencer Paysinger (concussion), and Trumaine McBride (hip) all practiced.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin clarified that some players coming off of offseason surgery were never going to play in last weekend’s Hall of Fame preseason game.

“It was a plan that Beatty wouldn’t play in the opening game, just like it was a plan that McBride and a couple of others, Herman, wouldn’t play in this game,” said Coughlin. “(Beatty) didn’t do anything to set himself back.”

August 5, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Monday’s press conferences with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

August 5, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Tuesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

7 takeaways from Media Hour by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

New York Giants Practice Reports:

Article on New York Giants Running Backs:

Article on WR Corey Washington: Giants WR Washington playing for family by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Article on the New York Giants Use of Tablets: Tablets on NFL sidelines get positive reviews from Giants by Tom Rock of Newsday

Aug 052014
 
Israel Idonije, Chicago Bears (September 13, 2012)

Israel Idonije – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants announced on Tuesday that they have signed defensive end Israel Idonije and tight end Jerome Cunningham. To make room for Idonije and Cunningham, the Giants waived defensive end Kendrick Adams. The team also waived/injured running back David Wilson on Monday and placed him on Injured Reserve on Tuesday after he cleared waivers.

Idonije was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2003 NFL Draft. He did not make the team that season but spent time on the Practice Squad of the Chicago Bears. For nine seasons, from 2004-12, Idonije was on the 53-man roster of the Bears. He started 42 games from 2010-12. In 2013, Idonije played in 11 games with the Detroit Lions as a reserve. The Bears re-signed him in March 2014 but then released him in June. The 33-year old Idonije is nearing the end of his career, but he was a fairly productive player for the Bears, including accruing 20.5 sacks in his last three seasons in Chicago. He has good size and strength. Idonije lacks suddenness and quickness as a pass rusher. He has good intangibles as he is a hard-working, high-effort player with good character.

Cunningham played college football at Southern Connecticut State University from 2009-2012, but he has not been with an NFL team in training camp. He did try out with the Arizona Cardinals in May, but was not signed. Cunningham lacks ideal size for the position; he’s built more like an H-Back.

Adams was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2013. Adams was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2012 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Buccaneers, Lions, Browns, and Bengals.

Wilson, New York’s 1st round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, has been advised to retire from the NFL after re-injuring of his surgically repaired neck in training camp.

Because of these moves, we have updated the TransactionsRoster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Aug 042014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (July 27, 2013)

David Wilson has been advised to retire by medical professionals – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The final chapter of David Wilson’s NFL career has been written far sooner than any expected.

Following the re-injuring of his surgically repaired neck on July 29, eight days after receiving medical clearance from spinal vertebrae fusion surgery, the team’s first-round pick in 2012 has been advised to retire by Giants’ team doctor Russell Warren and Hospital for Special Surgery spine specialist Dr. Frank Cammisa.

“Dr. Frank Cammisa Jr., our spine specialist at HSS examined David this morning and following that exam, we both sat down and shared our perspective with David,” Warren said in a statement released by the team. “David has diffuse cervical stenosis. He had a disc removed and a fusion in January. In light of last week’s episode of symptoms, sensory and motor, Frank and I both told David he should not play football any more. We let David know that by playing, he would be putting himself at risk for more episodes like last week or perhaps something more serious. ”

In a half-pads practice last Tuesday, Wilson caught a shovel pass from quarterback Curtis Painter. The back turned upfield but ran head-first into the back of Giants’ offensive lineman Eric Herman. Wilson fell to the ground, team doctors rushed over to his side and Wilson was escorted off the field. He was taken to the HSS for extensive testing and ruled out until Monday when Cammisa could review the results.

David Wilson (22), Eli Manning (10), New York Giants (September 15, 2013)

David Wilson and Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

The Giants will place Wilson on Injured Reserve, allowing the running back to collect the $997,682 he’s owed in salary unless there is an injury settlement. But it sounds as if Wilson will adhere the doctors’ advice and walk away from the game.

“I’m thankful that I can literally walk away from the game and that I am healthy and capable of doing the same things I have done all my life, except play football,” said Wilson. “I always try to find the positive in everything. This morning when I saw Dr. Cammisa and Dr. Warren, I didn’t hear what I wanted to hear, but I expected that what they told me could be a possibility. I had played out both scenarios in my mind. I prayed this morning before I went to see them that they would tell me what God would tell me. He put His answer in them to relay to me.”

Wilson, 23, originally injured his neck on Oct. 6, 2013 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. After attempts to let the injury heal by itself were unsuccessful, Wilson had “vertebrae fusion” surgery in January. The Giants put Wilson through an extensive rehabilitation process before the back finally gained medical clearance on July 21, the day the Giants reported for training camp.

Wilson made it through seven practices, four with contact, before injuring his neck.

In his 21 games played, Wilson rushed the ball 115 times for 504 yards and five touchdowns. During his rookie year, Wilson established himself as one of the league’s best kick returners. On 57 attempts, Wilson gained 1,533 yards including a 97-yard touchdown.

“I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me, or pity me,” said Wilson. “I lived my dream. A lot of people only get to dream their dream. I lived that dream. Now I have a chance to dream another dream and live that, too.”

Aug 012014
 
Robert Ayers, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Robert Ayers missed practice with ankle injury – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today:

August 1, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Friday were RB David Wilson (neck), WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring), TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring), LT Will Beatty (headache), DE Robert Ayers (ankle), DT Mike Patterson (shoulder), LB Jon Beason (PUP – foot), LB Spencer Paysinger (concussion), and CB Bennett Jackson (ankle).

Regarding Jackson, Head Coach Tom Coughlin said, “There’s no fracture, but it’s a significant ankle sprain.”

August 1, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Friday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

August 1, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on the New York Giants Running Backs: Injury to Wilson Puts the Giants’ Backfield in Motion by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Article on WR Rueben Randle: Randle: ‘I’m ready for more opportunities’ by Mike Mazzeo of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on TE Larry Donnell: Giants ‘loving’ what they see from TE Larry Donnell by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Giants offensive line irons out West Coast wrinkles by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on S Antrel Rolle: Giants can’t let indispensable Rolle follow Tuck out the door by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Articles on Former Giants DE Michael Strahan:

Jul 312014
 
Jay Bromely, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Jay Bromley – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today and yesterday:

July 31, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: On Wednesday, the Giants publicly released an update on RB David Wilson, who suffered a neck burner at practice on Tuesday. Wilson underwent a battery of medical tests Tuesday night at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). The Giants say he will not practice the remainder of the week, nor will he play in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Wilson will be examined and evaluated by Dr. Frank Cammisa at HSS on Monday. Cammisa, chief of spine services at HSS, is the specialist who performed the vertebrae fusion surgery on Wilson on January 16, 2014.

However, while Wilson himself tweeted on Wednesday that “everything is fine,” NJ.com and The Star-Ledger are reporting that sources say Wilson’s football career is likely over. ESPN is reporting the same.

“Until we here what the doctors say, I am just praying that the kid is okay,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin after practice on Thursday. “When he was cleared to play he came out and exhibited no fear, no nothing. I was really excited about that coming out. We are obviously concerned, but we will have to wait and see what the doctors say.”

Wilson originally injured the neck in October 2013 in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was cleared to resume football contact on July 21.

In addition to Wilson, not practicing on Thursday were WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring), TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring), OG John Jerry (knee), DT Mike Patterson (shoulder), LB Jon Beason (PUP – foot), LB Spencer Paysinger (concussion), LB Spencer Adkins (groin), and CB Travis Howard (knee).

LT Will Beatty (illness), DE Robert Ayers (ankle), CB Bennett Jackson (ankle), and WR Corey Washington (heel) all left practice early. Bennett will undergo x-rays on his ankle.

July 31, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Thursday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

July 31, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

New York Giants on ESPN Radio: Audio clips of Tuesday’s ESPN Radio interviews with the following team officials and players are available at ESPN.com:

  • President/CEO John Mara (Audio)
  • General Manager Jerry Reese (Audio)
  • Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Audio)
  • QB Eli Manning (Audio)
  • WR Victor Cruz (Audio)
  • LB Jon Beason (Audio)
  • CB Prince Amukamara (Audio)
  • S Antrel Rolle (Audio)

NJ.com Q&A with OG/OC Weston Richburg: Weston Richburg rookie check-in: Playing more guard or center for Giants? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on New York Giants Training Camp: Giants training camp Week 2: Stock Up/Stock Down by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Talent:

Article on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: 10 observations about Ben McAdoo’s offense by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on QB Ryan Nassib: Four practices with Ryan Nassib: A breakdown of the Giants backup by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on New York Giants Running Backs:

Articles on New York Giants Tight Ends:

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Line:

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Articles on Former Giant DE Michael Strahan:

Full pads for #Giants practice today