Giants Make Offer to Justin Tuck; Could Osi Umenyiora Return?

 Posted by
Mar 082014
 
Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants (October 21, 2012)

Osi Umenyiora – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Make Offer to Justin Tuck: According to NJ.com, the New York Giants made a contract offer to defensive end Justin Tuck prior to the start of the free agent negotiation period that begins at 4:00PM on Saturday, March 8. However, Tuck has turned down the offer and will test the free agent market. While the agents for players and other teams can negotiate at 4:00PM on Saturday, contracts cannot be formally signed until 4:00PM on Tuesday, March 11.

Star-Ledger – If the Falcons Cut Osi Umenyiora, He Could Re-Sign With Giants: The Atlanta Falcons have asked defensive end Osi Umenyiora to take a pay cut or risk being cut. Umenyiora has said he would like to remain with the Falcons, but if he is released, The Star-Ledger is reporting that there might be mutual interest on the part of Umenyiora and the Giants in a possible reunion. Umenyiora was drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. After 10 years with the Giants, Umenyiora signed a 2-year, $8.5 million contract with the Falcons during free agency last offseason. He is set to make $3.5 million with the Falcons in 2014.

Boston Globe – New York Giants Interested in TE Jermichael Finley: The Boston Globe is reporting that unrestricted free agent tight end Jermichael Finley (Green Bay Packers) has drawn interest from the New York Giants, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Article on Wide Receiver Hakeem Nicks: Nicks Still Has Value to Add by Jonathan Clegg of The Wall Street Journal

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: NFL Mock Drafts: UCLA’s Anthony Barr becoming popular pick for Giants by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Kevin Gilbride Defends Himself; LB Jameel McClain Visits Giants

 Posted by
Mar 062014
 
Kevin Gilbride, New York Giants (December 9, 2012)

Kevin Gilbride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Kevin Gilbride Defends Himself: Kevin Gilbride, who retired as offensive coordinator of the New York Giants in January, spoke publicly on Thursday night at the PKD Foundation benefit in Manhattan. Some speculate that Gilbride only retired because he knew he would be fired. On the contrary, Gilbride said he told his wife before the 2013 season began he would retire unless he was offered a head coaching job in 2014.

“If I wanted to stay coaching I would have stayed with the Giants,” said Gilbride.

Gilbride is blamed by many for the demise of the Giants’ offense, which fell from 14th to 28th. Head Coach Tom Coughlin has said that Gilbride would not have been forced out, but team President/CEO John Mara and General Manager Jerry Reesse have said that it was time for a change on offense.

“I’m kind of surprised to hear (Jerry Reese) say that,” Gilbride said. “No one had figured that offense out for 24 years. To think that they figured it out this year would be pretty ludicrous. I think it was pretty obvious what the problems were. We had a confluence of injuries, we were very weak on the offensive line. We had some guys who struggled. We started six different offensive tailbacks, three different fullbacks, three different right guards, four different centers…You’re not going to have anything (with that). You can say it’s the offense, but it’s pretty clear what the problem was.”

“I certainly have expressed (roster talent) concerns for a number of years,” Gilbride said. “It wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when it was going to happen.”

In a shot at Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle, another issue according to Gilbride was that the Giants only had  “one guy playing” at wide receiver (Victor Cruz). Gilbride thought John Mara’s comments about it taking so long for Jerrel Jernigan to be a factor on game day were a “cheap shot”.

“I didn’t understand it,” said Gilbride. “Because (Jernigan) had chances as a kick returner and he’d played before and hadn’t played well. I think it’s a great tribute to (Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gibride) and (Quarterbacks Coach Sean Ryan) that developed him and that he got on the field.”

When asked about the Giants’ prospects in 2014, Gilbride responded, “They have to get some players. If the players come back, if (Chris) Snee comes back healthy and (David) Baas comes back healthy. The running back situation is a little scary – they have to get somebody there. But if they can get somebody there and if (Kevin) Boothe comes back the inside three will be stable. I know they’re going to look for a tight end. There are a lot of holes that need to be filled.”

“If they shore up some of the supporting cast, I think they’ll be fine,” said Gilbride. “Last year we went into the year with some question marks at some spots and sure enough those question marks were all answered in a negative fashion. Between that and the confluence of injuries, it just wasn’t going to happen.”

LB Jameel McClain Visits Giants, But Leaves Without Contract: Linebacker Jameel McClain, who was cut by the Baltimore Ravens last month is a salary-cap related move, visited the New York Giants on Thursday but left without a contract. He had visited with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday and is scheduled to meet with the Minnesota Vikings next.

New York Giants Interested in Center Evan Dietrich-Smith?: FOXSports1 is reporting that the New York Giants may be interested in pursuing soon-to-be unrestricted free agent center Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) if the Packers do not re-sign him and center David Baas is released.

Jon Beason Representing Himself in Contract Talks: Soon-to-be unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason recently fired his agent and will be representing himself in his contract talks.

Starting on Saturday, March 8, NFL teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents on other teams. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00PM ET on March 11. Because Beason will be representing himself, teams will not be able to contact him until March 11. So the Giants will have three more days to negotiate exclusively with Beason.

Articles on the New York Giants and 2014 NFL Free Agency:

Giants.com Inside the Film Room: Video breakdowns of the following Giants players are available at Giants.com:

  • Running Back Andre Brown (Video)
  • Running Back Peyton Hillis (Video)

March 3, 2014 New York Giants Free Agency News and Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 032014
 
Linval Joseph (97), Jason Pierre-Paul (90), New York Giants (October 27, 2013)

Linval Joseph and Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

March 3, 2014 New York Giants Free Agency News and Rumors: According to NJ.com, the New York Giants are concentrating their efforts to re-sign linebacker Jon Beason before free agency begins on March 11. NJ.com says efforts to re-sign the Giants other unrestricted free agents “have been put on the back burner.”

NJ.com reports the Giants have not yet made an official offer to soon-to-be unrestricted free agent defensive end Justin Tuck. The website also says the Giants believe soon-to-be unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Linval Joseph “will be too costly to keep” and the chances that soon-to-be unrestricted free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks re-signing with the team are “close to zero.”

Reports – New York Giants Will Not Tender Henry Hynoski and Jim Cordle: According to ProFootballTalk, the New York Giants will not tender fullback Henry Hynoski, who is eligible to be tendered as a restricted free agent. The website says the Giants would still like to re-sign Hynoski, but at a lower rate than then restricted free agent tender. If Hynoski is not tendered, he will become an unrestricted free agent on March 11 when free agency begins.

The Star-Ledger is reporting that center Jim Cordle will also not be tendered as a restricted free agent.

For a complete listing of New York Giants 2014 free agents, see our 2014 Free Agency Scorecard.

Article on Wide Receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks: Will Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks be Giants teammates still? by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on the New York Giants and Free Agent Running Backs: NFL free agency 2014: Who is the best blocking RB available for Giants by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the New York Giant and the NFL Combine:

General Manager Jerry Reese NFL Combine Media Sessions

 Posted by
Feb 222014
 
Jerry Reese, New York Giants (February 22, 2014)

Jerry Reese at the NFL Combine – © USA TODAY Sports Images

General Manager Jerry Reese NFL Combine Media Sessions: Video clips of General Manager Jerry Reese’s media sessions at the NFL Combine on Saturday are available at Giants.com:

  • Main Press Conference (Video)
  • Media Session (Video)

Some tidbits of note:

  • Reese on picking at #12 in the first round: “We’ll try and get the best player available on the board. We’ll keep our options open there. If someone wants to come up to 12 and entertain us moving back, we’ll consider that as well.”
  • Reese on the salary cap being raised from $123 million to reportedly $130-132 million: “Anything is better than flat. It makes a difference to me…It’s been pretty flat for the last few years. It’s hard to maintain a high-caliber roster with a flat salary cap, especially when you’re picking late and last some of the times you’re picking. It’s not a lot higher, but it’s better than nothing.”
  • Reese on approaching the free agent market: “The last couple of years it’s been a pretty saturated market. If there are guys you like and you have the money, you can go get them. But if you can hold your water there will probably be some guys available in the second and third wave (of free agency)…If you have the funds available to extend (your own) guys and tie them up, we’ve done that a lot in the past. We think right now it’s best to see what the market is and make our move from there.”
  • Reese on WR Hakeem Nicks, DE Justin Tuck, and LB Jon Beason, all who will be free agents on March 11: “I have talks with all of those guys and free agency means free agency. It means you go out and try to get as much money as you can. I’m always in favor of guys getting as much money as they can. Justin deserves to see what the market is. We’d love to have him back, but we’ll see where it goes. Beason as well. We’ve had some talks with him and hopefully we’ll be able to get him back as well. Who knows? If we can get something done maybe neither one of those guys will go, but we’ll leave our options open and I’m sure they’ll do the same.”
  • Reese on RB David Wilson, who is recovering from offseason neck surgery: “Obviously, we can’t put all our eggs in that basket. We will continue to look for running backs in free agency and the draft as well.”
  • Reese on fixing the offensive line: “You start in-house with your offensive line. We (have) drafted a few young players and hopefully they can grow into a role for us. Obviously, you look at free agency and we have a couple guys that ended on (Injured Reserve) for us last year. We’ll see what their status is moving forward and, of course, the draft there seems to be some good offensive linemen in this draft…Obviously we’ll go out in free agency and we’ll see where we can find some guys that can fill some holes for us…The No. 1 factor is who is going to be healthy. We’ve got to see Chris (Snee) and David Baas – those guys went down for us early in the season – if they are going to be healthy, if they’re going to come back and be contributors. Everything else will take care of itself after that…Both (Snee and Baas) want to play. I’ve talked to them and they want to play. They had significant injuries and right now they seem to be on a good track to recovery and we’ll see where it goes.”
  • More from Reese on OG Chris Snee: “Is he going to be healthy? That’s the number one thing. Obviously he’s got a big contract. That’s an issue as well. All of that will get hashed out when we figure out if he’s going to be healthy or not…I talked to Chris Snee and he definitely wants to play. He has significant injuries and he’s not a baby at this point in his career. That always factors in, your age.”
  • Reese on what he looks for in an offensive lineman: “You just want some big nasty guys up front who can keep our quarterback upright. We always look for versatile guys on the offensive line. The more you can do, the better you are for us. If a guy can play some guard, some tackle, some center, the more versatile, we like it.”
  • Reese on changing offensive coordinators: “It was time to make a change…(new coordinator Ben McAdoo is) a bright guy, well-prepared. I think he’s going to bring some new life. Obviously Coach (Kevin) Gilbride did a terrific job for us, but the change is going to energize our offense a little bit and get some new learning for our quarterback and our offensive staff. He’s an interesting guy. He’s very bright…It was time to make a change. I think everybody is excited about what’s going on.”

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: Ebron draws interest from Jets, Giants by Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com

Tom Coughlin and Giants Agree to One-Year Contract Extension

 Posted by
Feb 212014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (February 21 2014)

Tom Coughlin at the NFL Combine – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin and Giants Agree to One-Year Contract Extension: Head Coach Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants have agreed to a 1-year contract extension reported to be around $7 million. Coughlin’s contract had been set to expire after the 2014 NFL season. Coughlin last agreed to a 3-year, $20 million contract extension after winning Super Bowl XLVI. He is now signed through the 2015 NFL season.

“I had great confidence that it would happen,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin on Friday. “And it did.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s NFL Combine Media Sessions: Video clips of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s media sessions at the NFL Combine on Friday are available at Giants.com:

Some tidbits of note:

  • Coughlin on the impact and role of new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: “I’m involved very much in (the offense). As are all our coaches. It’s a very good exchange right now because we’re doing the best we can to meld a couple of systems, to discuss those types of things. Everyone has responsibilities and makes strong contributions. We’re certainly listening to the entire system and Ben will have the final say on that and of course play-calling, but I’ll be very much involved…(McAdoo) interesting enough does not describe himself as West Coast (Offense guy). He thinks more in terms of the ball going vertical and down the field…I would say that you will notice some differences for sure. Anytime you have different people, personalities, play callers, you’ll see some differences. I think definitely we would maintain a commitment to the run, and that will be a factor no matter what. And that’s been agreed upon by all. But as far as changes, they may be subtle; there may be some drastic ones. But the number one thing will be the players, the team, the opportunity to again get ourselves back on track the way we need to be, the ball security issues being first and foremost. The obvious questions being made about the offensive line, we’ll see where that goes. Who knows what that would have been like last year had a couple of our guys been able to stay on the field. “
  • More on McAdoo: “I like Ben because he did a superb job in terms of his preparation. He’s very fundamentally sound. He started out with that aspect of it, not necessarily starting to talk about Xs and Os, but just about fundamentals. He had some very detailed video of the way in which he teaches. The way in which he presents, the way in which he teaches, he did an outstanding job with that. And great knowledge of the system he believes in and also knowledge of our team. The critical games that we had played against the Packers the last few years and the fact that we’ve had a little success there. That combination was a good one for both of us in terms of attracting him and being a franchise that he very much respected and wanted to be a part of if the opportunity came his way.”
  • Coughlin on QB Eli Manning: “We’re very confident that Eli will, with the help of others around him, with the help of his coaches and the help of his teammates, will return to the high stature that we hold him in. I feel very good about that.”
  • Coughlin on RB David Wilson, who recovering from career-threatening neck surgery: “Do I think he’ll be ready for training camp? I really don’t know the answer to that. A lot has to do with his attitude, the way he feels and the way the doctors and trainers obviously feel…I saw him about four or five days ago and he’s that same bouncy personality. He’s very pleased with where he’s at right now. He’s able to do work with his legs for example, not as a heavy-duty thing but in a lighter capacity. He’s excited about that. He looks good, he feels good. He doesn’t have a lot of pain. I’m excited about that…Forget about that he could be a difference-maker on the team, it’s the idea that is he going to be healthy enough to be able to withstand (hits). That will be the doctors’ and our main concern. We’re not going to put him out there unless he really, really believes in himself again and the doctors believe he’ll be ready to go. He’s not going to be put out there unless he’s ready for that. I’m not even sure how he’s going to be limited in the spring.”
    Coughin on OG Chris Snee, who is recovering from elbow and hip injuries. “I think there’s no question (he intends to play in 2014)…I think certainly there’s a natural, built-in timetable as far as progress goes along here. He’s in the rehab aspect of it. For anyone that has been injured, the rehab and all of those things come into play as you start to formulate where you are. Right now, I’m optimistic about it. He’s progressing well, he’s working, he’s building himself up. He’s feeling good and he’s looking forward to feeling better. So all I can tell you is that he’s made very good progress.”

No New Deal Currently in the Works for Eli Manning: According to The Star-Ledger, there have been no discussions between the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning to re-structure his current contract. Manning has two years left on his current contract. He will count $20.4 million against the estimated $130 million 2014 NFL salary cap – the fourth highest cap number in the NFL.

In order to re-structure a contract, the contract is usually extended with more guaranteed money. The Giants do not appear willing to do that at this time according to The Ledger.

Hakeem Nicks Changes Agents, Not Likely to Re-Sign with Giants: Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, has changed agents. Like wide receiver Victor Cruz, Nicks will have his contract negotiations handled by the agency CAA while his marketing affairs will be handled by Jay-Z’s RocNation. Nicks was formerly represented by agent Peter Schaffer.

A number of current Giants have relationships with CAA, including Cruz, quarterback Eli Manning, and defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.

According to NJ.com, an unidentified source says the chances of Nicks re-signing with the Giants are “close to zero.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin did not sound overly optimistic on Friday when asked about Nicks.

“He’s a free agent,” Coughlin said. “Who knows? You’d basically like to have all of your free agents back. That doesn’t happen. You have guys that are injured, you have limitations on salary. I’m sure that the (free-agent) market will be where Hakeem will go and we’ll see what happens.”

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: NY Giants focused on helping Eli Manning through NFL draft this offseason by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Articles on the New York Giants and the NFL Combine:

Victor Cruz Wants Hakeem Nicks to Return

 Posted by
Feb 132014
 
Hakeem Nicks (88), Victor Cruz (80), New York Giants (July 28, 2013)

Victor Cruz Wants Hakeem Nicks to Return – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Victor Cruz Wants Hakeem Nicks to Return: Not unsurprisingly, Victor Cruz wants fellow wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to re-sign with the Giants. Nicks is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11. The prevailing opinion is that he will not return to the Giants.

“I have (asked him to stay),” said Cruz on Wednesday. “Selfishly, I would love for him to stay.”

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Regular-Season Schedule: How difficult is Giants schedule in 2014? by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on Cornerback Terrell Thomas: CB: NFL not ready for gay player by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on Former Giants Linebacker Antonio Pierce: Antonio Pierce discusses move to coaching by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Former Giants Quarterback Jared Lorenzen: ‘Hefty’ QB Jared Lorenzen recalls trying to make weight with Giants by Kevin Manahan of The Star-Ledger

Giants.com Inside the Film Room: Video breakdowns of the following Giants players are available at Giants.com:

  • Defensive End Justin Tuck (Video)
  • Defensive Tackle Shaun Rogers (Video)

Eli Manning and Justin Tuck on ESPN Radio

 Posted by
Jan 292014
 
Eli Manning (10), Justin Tuck (91), New York Giants (December 30, 2012)

Eli Manning and Justin Tuck – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Eli Manning and Justin Tuck on ESPN Radio: Audio clips of Wednesday’s ESPN Radio interviews with the following players are available at ESPN.com:

Articles on Quarterback Eli Manning:

Article on Wide Receiver Hakeem Nicks: Plaxico Burress advised Giants WR Hakeem Nicks during disappointing contract year by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Place Kicker Josh Brown: Kicker Josh Brown on verge of re-signing with Giants by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Former Giants Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress: Plaxico Burress talks SBXLII Game-Winner by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Former Giants Defensive End Michael Strahan: Despite great numbers, stats don’t define 92 by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Former Giants Defensive Tackle Keith Hamilton: Super Bowl memories: Former Giants DE Keith Hamilton doesn’t dwell on loss by A.J. Perez of NJ.com

Article on Former Giants Safety Sam Garnes: Former Giant Sam Garnes is home for SB by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Giants.com Video on Super Bowl XXV: Super Bowl XXV Flashback by Giants.com

Tom Coughlin Wants to Coach Past 2014; David Diehl Retires

 Posted by
Jan 242014
 
David Diehl, New York Giants (February 5, 2012)

David Diehl – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin Wants to Coach Past 2014: In a taped ESPN Radio interview that is set to air on Sunday, Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if he still felt he could coach “well beyond” the 2014 NFL season.

“I certainly do, and I’m blessed with good health and good energy and a routine that I think puts me in the maximum opportunity to stay healthy,” responded Coughlin. “The other issue, of course, is (my wife) Judy. If Judy’s healthy, and so on and so forth, and we both feel good about continuing…then no doubt will we feel that way.”

The 67-year old Coughlin has one year remaining on his current contract. Giants President/CEO John Mara said recently, “(Coughlin is) going to be our coach here next year and hopefully for longer than that, but we haven’t sat down to even talk about that yet.”

“I haven’t sat down with John,” said Coughin, “and I do know by virtue of a couple of things that he’s said that he’s trying to pick the best time. And he knows full well that we’re in a full-court press in terms of making sure that our staff is ready to go.”

David Diehl Retires: Offensive lineman David Diehl, who has been with the team since he was drafted in the 5th round of the 2003 NFL Draft, officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday. Diehl played in 11 seasons with the Giants. Diehl’s daughter Addison was on hand when Diehl informed the team.

“She wants me to play forever,” said Diehl. “It’s not very easy for my daughter to talk about me retiring and not playing football. The Giants are just as much family to her as they are to me. She’s been going to the games and at seven years old, she understands everything. She understands the game and the players and how important it is to play in the NFL. For her, my stepping away from something she loves as much as I do is not an easy thing.”

“I love football,” Diehl said. “I love being in the game, I love watching film, I love doing all of that and I’m going to miss that aspect of it. But I know I’m ready to start the new and next chapter of my life. I’m ready to not only be a bigger part of my daughter’s life, but I’m ready to spread my knowledge and help other people with the game and continue to do stuff throughout our community and charity work and be involved with the New York Giants in any way possible. I’ve accomplished everything I could possibly dream of as a football player. If in 2003, anyone would have said that Dave Diehl, a fifth-round draft pick out of Illinois, would win two Super Bowls, play in the Pro Bowl and win every single Giant award possible, people would have said you’re crazy. I have a lot to be proud of.”

During his career with the Giants, Diehl started at every offensive line position except center. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2009. Most importantly, he was the starting left tackle on two Super Bowl teams.

Diehl only missed 12 games in 11 seasons. He played in 164 regular-season games, tying Phil Simms for 12th on the franchise’s all-time list. “To be able to sit here and say I tied Phil Simms for 12th all-time on the list, I mean that’s crazy,” Diehl said. He started 160 of those 164 games, plus all 11 postseason games in which he played. In the regular season, Diehl started 65 games at left tackle, 42 at left guard, 26 at right tackle, and 27 at right guard. In the postseason, Diehl has 10 starts at left tackle, and one at left guard.

“When I think of David Diehl what comes to mind is his indomitable spirit,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He got the most out of his God-given ability and that’s the best way that you can judge any individual. He took the talent that he had and he used it to the extreme, to the utmost of his ability. What more can you ask of the guy? And he gave great effort. He always gave great effort, there was no doubt about that. You knew exactly what you were getting.”

“He played so many different positions along the offensive line and never complained and never made an excuse,” QB Eli Manning said. “He was a guy who practiced in training camp and was prepared to play right tackle and then all of a sudden in the middle of the season, it’s, ‘Hey, now you have to go play left tackle.’ He just went over there and did it. He never made an excuse and he’s never looked for a reason not to. He just did his job and did it well for a long time. He protected me for a long time. He’s one of my great buddies and just a true warrior. A guy you wanted out there. He would play injured and he wanted to be out there for every practice, for every play in every game. Just a great teammate, a guy with that type of attitude is the kind of attitude you want all your teammates to have. He was just a true professional.”

Diehl was the only Giants player whose arrival predated that of Coughlin and Manning. With his retirement, the longest-tenured Giants are guard Chris Snee and Manning.

“You play for 10 years, you’re going to have some great relationships and make some great friends,” Manning said. “Unfortunately, you’re going to see some great friends retire. Obviously, you’re happy for them that they have had a great career and they can end it on their own terms, like David’s doing. It’s sad to have a friend that you’re used to seeing every day, to no longer have that presence in the locker room. He will be missed. But I think for the other linemen and other teammates who have been fortunate to be around him, he’s set a great example of how to be a professional, how to go about your business and be a true competitor. I think his presence will be felt. He’s made an impact on a lot of the players on the Giants.”

“I’m just very, very blessed and happy to have had the teammates and the guys around here and the coaches and the organization and to be able to do it for 11 years in one place – that’s unheard of,” Diehl said. “You never hear that any more. I’m a New York Giant through and through.”

“Whatever you wanted him to do, he did,” Coughlin said. “The weight room, practice, meetings, jibber and jab at guys that weren’t doing what they should be doing. He was the huddle guy, he helped get things going. You always knew where he was coming from. He was a tremendous competitor and a guy you always wanted on your team, because he was so positive and so up front and he agreed with everything you did as a coach.”

“At one point, it’s going to be bittersweet,” Diehl said. “At one point, I’m going to miss the camaraderie, being around the guys, being in the locker room, sharing stories of the summer. Most importantly, grinding and working for the season. That’s where you start setting the groundwork after OTAs and mini-camp. Training camp is when you’re getting ready for the season, for what we’re here for and that’s to win championships. So I’m going to miss being around the guys. It’s tough, physically, as an offensive lineman to play as long as I have. I’m not going to miss the cold tubs and the physical part and all of that stuff, but I’m definitely going to miss being around here and being part of it. I’ve been here for so long, it’s been such a routine and such a part of my life, so it’s going to be an adjustment not being a part of it, sweating in 100 degree weather and doing all of that stuff with these guys.

“Guys like Kareem (McKenzie) and Shaun (O’Hara) and Rich (Seubert) would laugh and say once they were done, ‘I’m going to come with a lawn chair’ and watch practice. They never come back and watch mini-camp and sit out there in the heat. They don’t want to watch training camp, they don’t want to see that stuff. It’s definitely going to be interesting and going to be different for me. But I’m going to be here, I’m still going to be involved with the team in any way possible with different things in the charity work that I’m always involved in. I’m never not going to be a Giant, I’m never not going to be in this area. It’s just for the first time in my career it’s not going to be as a player.”

For more on Diehl’s retirement, see David Diehl reflects on life in football at Giants.com. Also from Giants.com, the following videos/graphics are available:

  • David Diehl reflects on career (Video)
  • Players & Coaches: David Diehl Shoutouts (Video)
  • David Diehl’s Career Highlights (Video)

  • David Diehl Career Infographic (Graphic)

Article on Quarterback Curtis Painter: Giants free agents: Any chance backup QB Curtis Painter returns? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Fullback Henry Hynoski: Healthy again, Hynoski looks forward to future by Chuck Souders of NewsItem.com

Article on Wide Receiver Hakeem Nicks: Hakeem Nicks: The NFL’s perception of the Giants’ free-agent wide receiver by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Tight Bear Pascoe: Giants free agents: Bear Pascoe does it all for Big Blue by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

New York Giants Hire Craig Johnson as New Running Backs Coach

 Posted by
Jan 222014
 
Craig Johnson, Minnesota Vikings (June 11, 2013)

Craig Johnson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Hire Craig Johnson as New Running Backs Coach: The New York Giants announced on Wednesday that they have hired a new running backs coach, Craig Johnson. Johnson replaces Jerald Ingram who the Giants fired last week.

A native of Rome, New York, the 53-year old Johnson served as the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2011-2013. Before that he was with the Tennessee Titans, serving as assistant head coach/running backs coach (2010), quarterbacks coach (2002-2009), and offensive assistant/quality control (2000-2001).

“This is a veteran coach that has coached some great players, like Steve McNair,” said Head Coach To Coughlin. “He’s been around a while and has experience as a quarterbacks coach, as a running backs coach and he’s been a coordinator in college.”

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join such a great franchise,” Johnson said. “I’ve always admired coach Coughlin during the many years I’ve coached against him. I’ll come here to do my part to help the Giants get to and win a Super Bowl.”

“I think (Johnson) is an excellent teacher and his versatility is going to add a lot to our staff and, of course, to the running backs room,” Coughlin said. “He’ll be an excellent contributor for the coordinator with ideas. His interview was very impressive as we put him on the board. He really did an outstanding job with protections. And he’s talked long and hard about ball security. Pass protection and ball security are both very important to me.”

“I know (Coughlin is) a stickler for (pass protection and ball security) and that’s good,” Johnson said. “He’s a coach that has a great attention to detail and I feel very comfortable being around a coach that stresses that.”

“It’s a challenge (to coach running backs again), because it’s a different spot,” said Johnson. “I broke into coaching as a running backs coach. I feel confident that I’ll be up to the task and I’ll take them where they want to go.  The key is seeing what the players do best and also make sure I am up to date on the schemes. With (new offensive coordinator) Ben (McAdoo) here we’re going to have a new style, a new terminology and a new look and I want to make sure I’m comfortable with that and I’m able to teach it correctly.”

For Johnson’s full resume, see the Coaching Staff section of the website.

Dallas Cowboys Hire Mike Pope: The Dallas Cowboys have hired 71-year old Mike Pope as their new tight ends coach. The Giants fired Pope last week after he had served as the Giants tight end coach for 22 years (1984-1991 and 2000-2013).

Article on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: Cruz: “We’re all rookies again” in new ‘O’ by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Snee, Baas and Giants OL cap issues by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on Wide Receiver Hakeem Nicks: Giants free agents: Hakeem Nicks provided plenty of thrills by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on Cornerback Trumaine McBride: Giants free agents: Trumaine McBride played his way into a second chance by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Quotes: WR Victor Cruz on the New York Giants offense under new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: “(After talking with McAdoo) I’m truly a fan of the offense that he’s gonna put in. He wants kinda up-tempo offense, which I’m excited about, obviously, (spreading) footballs around to the receivers, all around the field. He’s an even keel guy that’s just ready to work and do some good things, and get to know his players, his personnel and put us in the right spot to succeed. So I’m excited for it and working for him as well…I think it’s going to be completely different (from Kevin Gilbride’s offense). It’s gonna be new terminology. I think it’s gonna be different plays. I think it’s gonna be a whole new philosophy. So I’m excited to get my hands around that playbook and really learn this thing inside and out. I do imagine it’s gonna be brand new for us, so it’s gonna be just like we’re rookies coming in, getting the playbook and getting right to it. It gives everyone a clean slate. We have to pick up this offense and make it happen, make it the best in the league. I think it’s definitely a wakeup call for us and a challenge we’re ready for.”

Hakeem Nicks Not Expected to Re-Sign with New York Giants

 Posted by
Jan 192014
 
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants (October 27, 2013)

Hakeem Nicks – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Hakeem Nicks Not Expected to Re-Sign with New York Giants: According to NFL.com, soon-to-be unrestricted free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is not expected to re-sign with the New York Giants when free agency begins in March.

NFL.com is reporting that two of the reasons why Nicks will not be re-signed are his disappointing play in 2012 and 2013, and a string of team-imposed fines. Apparently, Nicks has been fined repeatedly for being late to team meetings and missing medical treatments. NFL.com says the fines were “in the thousands for each transgression.” Nicks also supposedly was battling through “several” injuries.

Articles on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo:

Article on Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell: Cramerton’s Fewell talks about tough season, future by GastonGazette.com

Article on Former Giants Tight Ends Coach Mike Pope: What made Mike Pope such a great coach for the Giants? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Safety Ryan Mundy: Giants free agents: Safety Ryan Mundy could be Big Blue’s insurance policy by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

 Older Entries  Newer Entries