Jul 222014
 
David Tyree, New York Giants (February 5, 2012)

David Tyree – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Former-New York Giants’ wide receiver David Tyree has been named the team’s Director of Player Development per a press release released by the team. Tyree replaces Charles Way, who left to assume a position as the head of the NFL’s Player Engagement Department.

For the past two seasons, Tyree had worked in player engagement and development in the NFL Office.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Tyree told Giants.com’s Michael Eisen. “I guess you could say it’s a second homecoming. I’m grateful to have an experience with Charles Way, seeing his growth, his maturity as a professional. It even, to some degree, has impacted my life personally as a professional. Then having this opportunity to fill those shoes, I’m just grateful for the foundation that’s been laid, I’m grateful to be an example and hopefully represent this great organization in the same light and continue the great atmosphere and tradition of a wonderful organization with a premier culture. I’m just thrilled to get in here and serve these players.”

Tyree was drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. During his five-year Giants’ career, Tyree caught 54 passes for 650 yards and four touchdowns. While Tyree saw limited action as a receiver, he excelled on special teams as a ‘gunner’ on the punt team. In 2005, Tyree was voted to the Pro Bowl in the role.

But the 34-year-old Livingston native is most known for his ‘helmet catch’ in the Giants’ 2007 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. Trailing 14-10, Manning appeared to be in the process of getting sacked on third-and-five before breaking free and firing a pass down the field.

Tyree jumped into the air, caught the pass with both his hands before having one ripped away by Patriots’ safety Rodney Harrison. With his free hand, Tyree glued the ball to his helmet as he fell to the ground. The catch set up Plaxico Burress’ game-winning touchdown.

The play has reached the ‘Final Four’ in ESPN’s ‘Most Memorable Plays’ series.

The catch was the last for Tyree in his Giants career. In 2008, he was placed on the injured reserve and signed with the Baltimore Ravens the following offseason. He played 10 games for the Ravens but did not record a reception. He signed a one-day contract with the Giants in 2010 and announced his retirement.

When the Giants won Super Bowl XLVI, Tyree was in attendance and on the sideline.

While his primarily with be player development, that will be just one of the many tasks the Giants’ plan to throw the 34-year-old’s way. Giants’ head coach Tom Coughlin said Tyree will be involved in on-field preparations as well.

“He’ll be in all of my meetings,” Coughlin told Eisen. “He’ll be in all of our team meetings and he’ll certainly have an opportunity to contribute on the field, whether it is special teams or whatever.”

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Connor Hughes/BBI

Connor Hughes has been working in both the broadcasting and journalism fields for the last seven years. His work has been heard on WMCX, WBZC and Lenape District Television, while read on the pages of The Star-Ledger and The Burlington County Times. Connor can be reached via email ([email protected]) or on twitter (@Connor_J_Hughes)

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