Eli Manning Thinks He Can Play to at Least 40

 Posted by
Feb 042016
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (November 15, 2015)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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ELI MANNING THINKS HE CAN PLAY TO AT LEAST 40…
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is 35-years old and healthy. He hopes he can play at a high level for at least another five years.

“I feel great,” Manning said. “I’m very healthy, have been very fortunate there. I feel like I have my best football ahead of me and can play at an extremely high level. For the last two or three years I’ve said I have five more years in me. I still feel like I have five more years in me, so I’ll just keep saying that until I don’t have any more.”

Manning also reflected on the disappointing 2015 season. “It’s simple, you got to play better football,” Manning said. “I think we did some things better last year than we did the previous. Obviously, the record didn’t really show that. I think we were competitive in more games, and had a lot more opportunities to win games than the year before. We have to find ways to win those tight games, to win those close ones. That’s just a team, getting guys with great leadership, and great enthusiasm, and knowing what it takes to win those close ones, and having the confidence to go out there and make it happen.”

MALIK JACKSON EXPRESSES INTEREST IN THE GIANTS…
Denver Broncos defensive end/tackle Malik Jackson, who is currently scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in early March, was asked is he would consider playing for the Giants if they pursued him free agency.

“It’d be cool,’’ said the 26-year old Jackson. “Great market, great fans. If I did have an opportunity to go there, it would be cool to reunite with my boy Robert Ayers. I know Devon Kennard’s out there, too. If that was the case, it’d be dope. Hopefully me and the Broncos work something out, but if not, there’s definitely a chance that I’ll be looking for a new home. It’s a business, you got to do what you got to do.”

Jackson started 16 regular-season games for the Broncos in 2015, accruing 45 tackles, 5 sacks, and 7 pass defenses.

ARTICLES…

Report – Jay Bromley Not Likely to Be Charged

 Posted by
Feb 032016
 


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REPORT – JAY BROMLEY NOT LIKELY TO BE CHARGED…
The New York Post is reporting that New York Giants defensive tackle Jay Bromley is not likely to be charged with allegedly raping a woman last Saturday in a hotel room and striking her with his car in the hotel parking lot afterwards. The paper says Bromley believed he was on a date, and during sex, the woman asked for $2,000. “She turned out to be like a prostitute, and that’s not what he agreed upon,” an unidentified source told The Post. After Bromley left the room, the woman followed him. The Post reports that surveillance video shows her “badgering” him as he tried to get away from her and then jumping on the hood of his car. Both The Post and The New York Daily News have reported that the woman has a history of shaking down celebrities for money. “Her credibility is seriously being questioned,” a source told The Daily News.

ARTICLES…

Justin Tuck Retires; Giants Never Contacted Bill Cowher

 Posted by
Feb 012016
 
Justin Tuck, New York Giants (February 7, 2012)

Justin Tuck – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JUSTIN TUCK RETIRES…
Defensive end Justin Tuck announced his retirement from the NFL today. The 32-year old Tuck played 11 seasons in the NFL, nine with the New York Giants and the last two with the Oakland Raiders. Tuck missed most of the 2015 season with a torn pectoral muscle. Tuck was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

“If Coach (Tom) Coughlin would’ve come back another year, I probably would’ve (considered) coming back (to the New York Giants),” Tuck told FOXSports. “I didn’t even venture down that road. I think I would’ve given a lot of consideration to it.”

Tuck announced his retirement via his Facebook page.

“After months of praying and careful consideration, I have decided to retire from the game of football. I’ve had 11 great years and honestly I leave with very few regrets.

“I’m thankful to my family and close friends for their unwavering support. My beautiful wife and kids have dedicated their lives to being my closest support system and I’m eternally grateful.

“I want to thank the New York Giants and the Oakland Raiders for giving me a place I could call home all of these years. The Mara, Tisch, and Davis families, I’m forever in your debt. To my coaches: thanks for having me ready at every stage – the Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, you name it – thank you for teaching me about professionalism, preparation, and the pursuit of perfection. To my teammates: thank you for always going to battle with me each and every gameday, but more importantly, thanks for being my brothers for life.

“And lastly, the FANS. What an incredible environment you’ve created for me over the years to call a workplace. You all have been so supportive of me and my family, and without you I would have no game to play. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“This isn’t a good-bye, my family and I will continue our charitable work with Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy and we look forward to continuing to give back to communities that have given so much to us. God Bless.”

Tuck was drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL Draft. In his nine years with the Giants, Tuck played in 127 regular-season games with 90 starts, accruing 453 tackles, 60.5 sacks, two interceptions, and 20 forced fumbles. He was a key component of the Giants 2007 and 2011 NFL Championship teams. Tuck was also one of the deciding factors in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, accruing two sacks in both games. Tuck is the only player in NFL history with multiple sacks in multiple Super Bowls. He is also second in career Super Bowl sacks with four. Tuck was a two-time Pro Bowler (2008, 2010) and was named first-team All-Pro in 2008 and second-team All-Pro in 2010.

BILL COWHER SAYS GIANTS NEVER CONTACTED HIM…
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and current CBS NFL analyst Bill Cowher said the New York Giants did not contact him about the team’s head coaching vacancy. Cowher has long been rumored to have been interested in coaching for the Giants. He has not closed the door on returning to coaching.

“It’s all good,” said Cowher. “I’m flattered. I think the coach they got is going to do a great job. It’s a great organization, good quarterback. I wish them all the luck. Seriously.”

Justin Tuck Comments on Jason Pierre-Paul

 Posted by
Jul 202015
 
Jason Pierre-Paul (90), Justin Tuck (91), New York Giants (January 22, 2012)

Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Justin Tuck Comments on Jason Pierre-Paul: There has not been much word on New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul since the immediate aftermath of the July 4th fireworks accident that severely injured his right hand and arm. There is still no concrete information on the true extent of Pierre-Paul’s injuries which are believed to include a right index finger amputation (including knuckle), fractured right thumb (requiring pins), skin grafts to his lower right arm, and possibly additional finger and hand fractures. It is believed that Pierre-Paul has still not allowed Giants officials to meet with or examine him.

Former Giants teammate defensive end Justin Tuck, who is currently with the Oakland Raiders, told the press on Monday that he has been in regular contact with Pierre-Paul since the injury.

“I’ve been in constant conversation with JPP,” said Tuck. “He is (in good spirits). He’ll be the first one to tell you he made a mistake. He’s fine. He’s going to have a great year.”

“I think he will be (the same player),” said Tuck. “Once he gets used to playing again, you can’t deny his athletic ability. He’s a terror to block. Hopefully everything else gets healthy around him and if that is the case, I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be the JPP of the second half of the season like he was last year.”

Tuck did not seem overly concerned about the loss of Pierre-Paul’s right index finger on his overall game. “Honestly, the (three-point) stance is the only thing I think would be new (to him),” Tuck said. “JPP’s got huge hands. So I think he’ll make up for it.”

Giants.com Q&A with WR Corey Washington: The video of a Giants.com interview with wide receiver Corey Washington is available at Giants.com.

Article on RB Shane Vereen: Giants new running back Shane Vereen: Underrated, overrated or as expected? by Jordan Raanan for NJ.com

Article on WR Odell Beckham: Marquee Man Starring Odell Beckham Jr. by Kimberly Jones of NFL.com

Article on OG Geoff Schwartz: Giants’ Geoff Schwartz eager to put 2014 in his rearview mirror by Nick Powell for NJ.com

Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul: David Diehl says Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul faces ‘an uphill battle’ after finger amputation by Christian Red of The New York Daily News

Article on S Jeromy Miles: Former Baltimore Ravens safety Jeromy Miles a no-risk signing for Giants by Jordan Raanan for NJ.com

Archie Manning: Eli Manning Would Retire Before Leaving Giants

 Posted by
Jan 302015
 


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The father of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Archie Manning, told the press on Thursday that he believes his son would retire before playing for another professional football team. One of Archie’s other sons, Peyton Manning, plays for the Denver Broncos after a long career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Eli Manning, New York Giants (February 5, 2012)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“Peyton’s enjoyed his three years with the Broncos but he always envisioned himself playing for one team. So I’m glad when he did have to change, he made a good choice,” said Archie Manning. “But Eli, I think if the Giants traded Eli, he would retire. He loves his team. He loves the New York Giants…Eli wants to (finish his career with the Giants). I hope he can. Eli doesn’t worry about it too much. That is kind of the Giants decision.”

The Giants traded for Manning in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. The 34-year old Manning has played 11 seasons and won two Super Bowl MVP’s with the team. He is entering the final year of his current contract. Manning is scheduled to count $19.75 million against the 2015 salary cap unless the Giants extend his contract.

Statistically-speaking, Manning had one of his best seasons in 2014. Manning finished the year with 4,410 yards (second-highest total in his career and in franchise history), 30 touchdowns (one shy of his career-high in 2011), and 14 interceptions (13 fewer than he threw in 2013). Manning’s completion percentage (63.1) was a career-high. His passer rating of 92.1 was the second-highest of highest of his career (93.1 in 2009).

And Manning did all of this with a new offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and West Coast Offense-based system.

“I thought going to the West Coast was great for Eli at this point of his career. Really great,” Archie Manning said. “But I didn’t know it was going to involve mechanics and footwork and all that stuff. It was a transition, but he made it and he got more comfortable. Maybe he got comfortable when Odell (Beckham Jr.) started playing.”

(Giants fans are discussing this topic in The Corner Forum).

Article on LB Jon Beason: Jon Beason believes he’ll thrive with new Giants ‘D’ coordinator Steve Spagnuolo by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on Former Giant OT/OG David Diehl: David Diehl’s lasting impact on the Giants by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Former Giant DE Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck reflects on SBXLII; still considers NY home by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Q&As: Coach Craig Johnson, Andre Williams, Victor Cruz

 Posted by
Jun 302014
 
Victor Cruz, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Victor Cruz – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with Running Backs Coach Craig Johnson: The video of a Giants.com Q&A with Running Backs Coach Craig Johnson is available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Player Q&As: Video clips of Giants.com Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • RB Andre Williams (Video)
  • WR Victor Cruz (Video)

Inside Football Player Q&As:

Articles  on the New York Giants Quarterbacks:

Article on DT Johnathan Hankins: Johnathan Hankins: How and when he proved capable to Giants of replacing Linval Joseph by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Former New York Giants DE Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck: ‘I’m still surprised I’m not a New York Giant’ by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Tom Coughlin at the NFL Owners Meeting

 Posted by
Mar 262014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2013)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin at the NFL Owners Meeting: New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin addressed the media at the NFL Owners Meeting in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday morning. Some tidbits from Coughlin:

  • On installing the offense under new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: “We’re moving. We’re better than halfway through the completion of where we want it to be. I’ll say this and the word goes forth to our players. It’s obvious. This is a whole new undertaking from an offensive standpoint because you will have some of the old and a tremendous amount of the new. I think it’s stimulating. I think it’s good for everybody. Hopefully it’s going to provide a little fire for everybody. I know it will for Eli (Manning). I know he’ll be excited about this…In the beginning, there is a lot to learn. There is a lot of be able to comprehend. I don’t care how you do it. It’s apples and oranges. It’s Chinese vs. another language. But you have to get to where you’re communicating with each other. In order to do that, he’s really going to have to focus. Now, with his intelligence, it’s not going to be real difficult.”
  • On offensive goals: “Offensively we have to get back to Giants football. When I say that, I mean (Geoff) Schwartz and (John) Jerry, big human beings in the NFC East. We weren’t very big up front last year. It’s further to run around those big guys. We’re going to have balance…Everyone wants to know what the difference is going to be? Whatever we do is going to be designed around our personnel. I mean, we have the Encyclopedia Brittanica between the systems that you are familiar with and the system that you are soon going to be familiar with. You can put your finger on anything you want.”
  • On QB Ryan Nassib: “I think he’s going to be a good player. This is going to be an important year for him and for the Giants.”
  • On RB Rashad Jennings: “He’s a great athlete and in tremendous shape. He’s a solid 230 (pounds). The more you look, the better you like. I think he’s a good football player who will be a very solid, solid, impactful guy in our offense.”
  • On RB David Wilson, who is recovering from career-threatening neck surgery:  “I’m planning that he’s there. Until they tell me differently, he’s there. Now, to what extent is he there? Does his presence mean that you have to have another number going into camp at that spot? All of those things are possible…He’s making outstanding progress. Whenever I see him I tell David, ‘Slow down now, stay with whatever they are telling you that you can or can’t do.’ He’s been working on his legs for a month or more…Let’s get him back, let’s see. I wouldn’t rush him into anything.”
  • On Rueben Randle: “Rueben has to continue to develop, be a better pro…We have very high expectations for him. He’s got to continue to be a better pro and show consistency.”
  • On WR Mario Manningham:  “Mario is really excited to be a Giant again. He can hardly contain himself. He’s physically and mentally matured.”
  • On the tight end position: “Right now, it’s a question mark.”
  • On OT John Jerry, who was implicated in the Jonathan Martin bullying scandal: “I think he was authentic in terms of his presentation and (General Manager) Jerry (Reese) really did believe everything that he said. The investigation took place, calls were made to the league office…There was remorse, sincere remorse, and we still feel very strongly about our locker room and the players that are there for us. I don’t see anything of that nature happening with us…There is no suspension in the air or anything of that nature.”
  • On CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: “We have a young man who really wants to be coached. We studied and we saw some areas that we can really help him in and we were very specific about how that would happen and he was very receptive to it. Our coaches worked their tails off on him, spent a lot of time. A lot of time…It seemed as if he was going to continue to visit (teams) until he found what he wanted. When he came to see us, we knew we would have our chance…He was looking for a place to sink his roots and become a guy who represented a team and stayed there and worked his way through things and wanted to be a part of something other than a one-year-here, one-year-there kind of thing. He responded to that. He jumped on that. He wanted to be a guy who is associated with a team.”
  • On DE Justin Tuck, who signed with the Oakland Raiders: “We’re going to miss Justin Tuck, period. The body of work last year was very solid. He’s an outstanding young man…Justin has had two outstanding Super Bowls and playoff runs and played very, very well even as a young man playing with Osi (Umenyiora) and (Michael) Strahan, what he learned and how he performed, so, there’s no doubt…You always hold out hope that nobody goes, you don’t want to see anybody leave. But it’s part of our game. When Justin, as an outstanding defensive end who had numbers to back it up in terms of the way he played, I’m not surprised by it…It was always realistic (to keep him). It was realistic for sure, but it didn’t work. There are 31 other teams. The Raiders have a tremendous amount of money to spend.”’
  • On WR Hakeem Nicks, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts: “I don’t know if it went awry. The entire process of production continued to be not what it was a couple of years ago…I want everybody to know we wish Hakeem nothing but success, to return to the player that we really do believe and know that he is with consistency. Maybe this is something that had to take place for Hakeem. Maybe he will deal with exactly where he is and once again return to the quality of player that he is. I wish him nothing but the best.”
  • On continuing to coach: “What else am I going to do?..I feel good, I’m healthy, (my wife) Judy is really good towards it, the family is positive and supporting. As long as I feel good, productive, energetic, and of course the players respond, I’d like to think I can keep going…I’d like to think that the seasons are all good and at some point in time the decision (when to retire) becomes mine and not somebody else’s. It’s not the paramount thought. Being the best we can be is what I’m all about … I want to coach and I want to get it right and I want to see us start to play like I think we’re capable of.”

Article on the New York Giants and 2014 Free Agency and Draft: Giants’ signings give Reese free reign in draft by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on the New Free Agent Giants: Coaches dish on ex-players signed by the Giants as free agents by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Steve Tisch Comments on the State of the New York Giants

 Posted by
Mar 242014
 
Eli Manning and Steve Tisch, New York Giants (October 21, 2013)

Eli Manning and Steve Tisch – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Steve Tisch Comments on the State of the New York Giants: New York Giants Chairman and Executive Vice President Steve Tisch spoke to media on Monday at the NFL owners meetings in Florida. Some tidbits from Tisch:

  • On the team’s approach to the offseason: “When something is a little broken, you have an opportunity to fix it. Everybody at the top levels of ownership, coaching staff and our GM realized we have to go for it. This is an opportunity. Let’s take advantage of it and refocus. Do some restructuring, make changes, some of the changes aren’t always going to be popular, but I think we have created a tremendous sense of excitement and anticipating what this team will be and how well they will perform this season.”
  • On free agency: “I think the way Jerry Reese has performed during free agency is he’s always looking for value. I think he has a great eye for matching free agents, their talent, and the needs of the New York Giants. I think this season has been an unusually strong example of that because of the amount of players we’ve brought in at this point.”
  • On Head Coach Tom Coughlin: “(With) a lot of new faces and a lot of new players and a new locker room, I think Tom Coughlin is the guy to get some rookies and some of our new players to really understand how the New York Giants perform as a team, how he wants his locker room to operate, and I think he is the best guy to accept this challenge.”
  • On what still needs to be done: “With the draft coming up in May, it’s going to be the next wave of how to build the Giants to become even stronger this season and going forward.”
  • On the departure of so many important players from the Super Bowl teams: “It’s the nature of the business. It’s the way business is run and things change, you have to move on, you can’t look back, you have to look forward. I think this is the season we’re certainly doing that.”
  • On DE Justin Tuck, who signed with the Oakland Raiders: “It’s not goodbye, I think, and this is me, I think it’s see you soon. You can’t separate New York from Justin Tuck and I don’t think Justin Tuck will separate Justin Tuck from New York…He will definitely come back to the New York-New Jersey area and I think continue to be involved in football. He’s a great guy. His contributions on and off the field are wonderful. The memories he has of his years at the Giants and that John Mara and I have and all the fans have, all the coaches have, are of an exceptional, exceptional player and human being.”

Article on RB Rashad Jennings: Giants depth chart: Rashad Jennings can be the power back Tom Coughlin wants by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Offensive line: Have Giants done enough? by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

New York Giants and 2014 Compensatory Picks: Projecting the Giants’ compensatory picks by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Former Giants Defensive End Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck thanks fans in newspaper ad by Giants.com

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

  • Wide Receiver Victor Cruz (Video)
  • Tight End Bear Pascoe (Video)

John Mara Talks New York Giants Personnel

 Posted by
Mar 232014
 
John Mara, New York Giants (January 28, 2014)

John Mara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

John Mara Talks New York Giants Personnel: New York Giants President and CEO John Mara spoke to the media at the NFL owners meetings in Florida on Sunday. Some of the topics discussed included:

  • On any future free agent moves: “(We are) pretty close to done…I think we’ve improved the team. Time will tell, but we all feel good about the players we’ve added. I would say we’re pretty close to done (signing veterans). Certainly, if the opportunity presented itself with another player, we’d look at it. But I don’t anticipate there being any big-money players being signed at this point.”
  • Mara said they would not rule out re-structuring QB Eli Manning’s contract to create more cap room. However, he said, “That’s not been something we’ve discussed.”
  • The emphasis on defense by the Giants in free agency: “I think that’s more a case of that’s where the opportunities have presented themselves. There were defensive players who were available that we thought could really help us. We did add some offensive players, but we have the draft coming up, so that will be another opportunity.”
  • The focus on improving the secondary: “There were good players that were available, and obviously, if you have a real strong secondary, it allows you to do a lot of other things. I think that was an area where we felt we had to improve a little bit. It wasn’t our number one priority, but those were the players who were available. I think they should help us.”
  • On signing OT John Jerry, who was involved in the bullying controversy of Jonathan Martin: “We were certainly aware of that and did some research into him, and we’re satisfied that he’s going to be a good citizen for us. We did not talk to the league about him, but we did talk to a number of people. We did do our due diligence on him.”
  • The loss of DE Justin Tuck to the Oakland Raiders: “You expect decisions like that in this business but there are some that affect you a little bit more than others…That was very hard. He was and still is very special to us. I’m happy for him that he got that kind of contract. It will be tough to walk into that locker room and not see him there.”
  • On the need for a new defensive leader: “Somebody is going to have to step up and be a leader…Hopefully between (Jon Beason) and Antrel Rolle, and there are other guys who are capable of doing that…but we’re obviously going to miss Justin quite a bit.”
  • On the fact that there are only four players remaining from the Super Bowl XLII team still on the roster (Eli Manning, Chris Snee, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Zak DeOssie): “It is pretty hard to believe, but that’s the nature of the business. Players come and go. It’s an unfortunate part of the business, but it is what it is.”
  • On what still needs to be done: “We feel like we’ve improved the team, but we also need to have a really great draft. And we’re going too have to count on some guys to come through for us – guys that we drafted last year and the year before.”

Jon Beason and Henry Hynoski Officially Re-Signed

 Posted by
Mar 142014
 
Jon Beason, New York Giants (October 10, 2013)

Jon Beason – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Jon Beason and Henry Hynoski Officially Re-Signed: The New York Giants officially confirmed that unrestricted free agents linebacker Jon Beason and fullback Henry Hynoski have re-signed. Beason reportedly signed a 3-year, $19 million deal with $7 million guaranteed. Hynoski reportedly signed a 1-year, $1 million contract.

“You know how when you pick up a good book and it’s good because they develop a character and there’s always some type of turmoil, something bad happens,” Beason said. “And then the character has to come out and overcome it and then it’s like, ‘Man, that was a really good read.’ For me, I think it just made my career story better, having to overcome some things. You come out, you get drafted high, you start making Pro Bowls and become the highest-paid player, all-pro and all that stuff. That’s a boring book. For me, I feel like it’s prepared me for what’s still to come. If you’re going to lead men, especially at this level, you have to be battle-tested.

“You go through some stuff, you feel like you’re getting dragged through the mud and all of a sudden you just keep fighting, fighting and then you come out clean on the other side. For me, a fresh start was great. But obviously I know who I am and what I’ve already accomplished, so why can’t I continue to do that? I feel like I’m just scratching the surface. I really feel like that. To get a chance to have a great offseason, train and get in good shape to where you can play consistently at a high level is what I’m looking forward to.

“I think what we were able to build last year in a short period of time was scary. I’m a big fan of building camaraderie and sweating with the guys in the offseason, that’s where you build those championships and we missed that – well, I missed that because I came in early in the season. But for me, at this point, I know we have that coming up in April, get out there and earn the right to be a champ. It’s going to be big this year.

“I think when you talk about leadership, obviously your peers pick the captain or the person they choose to lead. There are guys that have done a great job, but the hardest part is being consistent at it. If you’re going to stand up there and say something or you’re going to represent something, or you’re going to be an example of something, I think you have to do it every day. Because as soon as you’re not, as soon as you don’t do it, there’s a chink in your armor and now guys aren’t following you anymore because you’re a façade, you’re not for real.

“Everyone’s going to have to pick up the slack because (Justin) Tuck was such an amazing leader, a guy who demanded respect right when he walked into the room. That’s the way I felt about him from the outside looking in and then obviously getting the chance to get to play with him, that was evident. For me, I just want to continue to try and be consistent. I think when you’re consistent, people follow that.

“I think anytime you get derailed with an injury, it’s not your fault. That wasn’t part of the story, but it happens. Anytime you have a setback, it’s a chance to come back and do something great. For me, you stay who you are and you know when you’re healthy you can be as good as anybody. You go out there, you play well, but that was just scratching the surface. I feel like I can be scary good this year and as a team, especially as a defense, we could be really good.”

Hynoski had an injury-plagued 2013. In May at the team’s first Organized Team Activity (OTA) workout, Hynoski suffered an injury to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a chip fracture to the lateral plateau in his left knee that required surgery. He returned in time for the regular-season opener, but suffered a shoulder injury in Week 3 that required surgery and ended his season as he was placed on Injured Reserve.

“I’m finally 100 percent healthy now,” Hynoski said. “I’m ready to go. I’m just extremely anxious to get back on the field. It was a humbling year.”

“The first game (last season) I was really rusty, the second I started getting back and that third game was when I started feeling good again, back to my old self,” Hynoski said. “And then the shoulder happened, unfortunately. But that’s part of the game. It’s the stuff you have to live with. These things happen, it’s just a matter of how you respond to it. I use it as motivation, use it in my workouts, everything, all of that anger and frustration – I used it in rehab and training to get back. I think it’s going to make me a better player because of it.

“It was tough to sit back and watch your team, especially when you know you could help in certain areas. I’m just looking forward. That whole time I was going through all of this, it was just motivation, it just fueled the fire and made me more hungry. I think it’s all going to transfer over to this season and we’ll have a great year ahead of us.”

Hynoski will have to compete for a roster spot with fullback John Conner, who was signed when the Giants lost Hynoski to injury.

“There’s competition all over the NFL,” Hynoski said. “That brings the best out of all of the players. It brings the best out of you when you’re competing against somebody else. I’m just looking forward to working with him and working together and getting better at the same time.”

“This is where I want to be,” Hynoski said. “Don’t get me wrong, Detroit was a great place. I really enjoyed the people I met and the visit out there, but this is home for me. This is where I was comfortable and luckily everything worked out. The Giants had a mutual feeling, the same feeling I had about them. They wanted me back, I wanted to be back here and I’m glad it worked out.

“This is a very special place for me, just the way the fans embraced me. I’m very grateful the coaches, the front office all the way from the ownership down have been 100 percent class, one of the best organizations in the NFL, the best organization in the NFL. I’m just very honored and proud to be part of it again.”

For more from Beason and Hynoski, see these Giants.com interviews:

March 14, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

  • RavensInsider is reporting that unrestricted free agent (UFA) offensive guard/tackle Bruce Campbell, who was waived/injured by the Carolina Panthers in August 2013, visited the Giants on Thursday. Campbell had signed a contract with the Washington Redskins on Wednesday, but failed their physical.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants may be interested in unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers (Denver Broncos).
  • The Star-Ledger is reporting that unrestricted free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Denver Broncos) will visit the Giants after visiting the Jets.
  • UFA tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who the Giants were rumored to be interested in, re-signed with the Detroit Lions.
  • UFA center Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers), who the Giants were rumored to be interested in, has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Details on J.D. Walton’s Contract: According to FOXSports.com, the contact signed between the Giants and unrestricted free agent center J.D. Walton (Washington Redskins) was a 2-year, $5 million deal with $3 million in guaranteed money. Contract details for most of the free agents signed are available in the 2014 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

For more information on what the Giants have spent, see A look at some of the Giants’ new deals by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News.

ESPN Radio Interview with OG Geoff Schwartz: The audio of Friday’s ESPN Radio interview with offensive guard Geoff Schwartz is available at ESPN.com

ESPN Radio Interview with DE Justin Tuck: The audio of Friday’s ESPN Radio interview with defensive end Justin Tuck is available at ESPN.com

Articles on Former Giants Defensive End Justin Tuck:

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