Die Hard Giants Fan

I’m definitely going to tune into TLC tonight when they make the Giants bike on American Chopper.  There is an article below about it below, and it airs at 9 PM EST.

Giants.com:

Anheuser-Busch signs cornerstone partnership - “The New Meadowlands Stadium Co. announced today that Budweiser and Bud Light will become the second cornerstone partner of the greatest stadium venture in National Football League history. The agreement grants Budweiser and Bud Light a significant presence in and around the new Meadowlands Stadium when it opens in 2010, and extends the beers’ malt beverage sponsorship of both the New York Jets and the New York Giants. With the signing of this sponsorship deal, 50 percent of the cornerstones have been sponsored by leading international companies.”

American Chopper, Giants style - Michael Eisen says to tune into TLC tonight at 9 PM EDT to watch the making of the Giants bike on “American Chopper”.  Eisen wrote that, “The ultimate Giants fan bike has been designed and produced by Orange County Choppers, a custom motorcycle manufacturer founded and run by Giants fans Paul Teutul, Sr. and Paul Teutul, Jr.”  Orange County Choppers is a shop up in Newburgh, NY that builds custom choppers.  I recommend that you make the trip up there because they got some of the best looking choppers you will ever see.

Sirius: Shaun O’ Hara (Video) - Giants C Shaun O’ Hara is a guest on Sirius Radio.

New York Times:

The N.F.L. Grows a Little Quieter - Here are a few excerpts from an article put together by the AP…

• “Favre, Strahan and Sapp have retired, costing the N.F.L. three potential first-ballot Hall of Famers with extra-large-sized personalities.”
• “Top players retire from the N.F.L. every year, and the league’s popularity never seems to wane. But professional football will not be as much fun without Favre, Strahan and Sapp — players whose exploits on the field were exceeded only by their ability to yap off it.”

The Star-Ledger:

Bradshaw’s lawyer confirms there’s no new incident - Bradshaw’s lawyer, Charlie Stacy, released this statement…

Ahmad Bradshaw is currently serving a 30-day jail sentence in Abingdon Regional Jail in Virginia on a probation violation charged out of the Tazewell County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The underlying charge in this matter stems from an offense that occurred while Mr. Bradshaw was a juvenile. Mr. Bradshaw has not been charged with any offense since being drafted by the New York Giants and is eager to put this matter behind him and be in training for the next season.

Full Plax interview - The other day, Mike Garafolo included a portion of Plaxico’s interview on Philly’s Sportsradio 610 WIP-AM.  Now, Garafolo has the entire interview.  You must download an mp3 file to hear it.

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We already know that Michael Strahan is seeking employment with a TV network.  Michael’s agent, Maury Gostfrand, told USA Today that, “Initially, studio work is more appealing. Anything from sitcoms to movies to hosting his own late-night talk show. Hosting a late-night talk show would be his dream.”  Can you picture Strahan doing Letterman or Leno?  Since Strahan has a bigger gap than Letterman then CBS might be the right network for him.  Somebody with a bigger chin than Leno might be better for NBC.  Gostfrand believes that Michael could sign with a network “within a week”.  His options are: CBS, Fox, ESPN, NBC, NFL Network.

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As we mentioned on Friday, the next 40 days are going to be quiet in Giants World because that’s when they report to training camp.  I’m happy that there were not more articles about Burress or Shockey in the past couple of days.

We always like to take the time to encourage you guys to send us in pictures so we can display them.  We want pictures of crazy Giants fans at the stadium, tailgating, at a house party, etc.  Just make sure that you guys are wearing Giants gear.  Also send us pictures of your pets in Giants gear and if you got a Giants tattoo.

Giants.com:

MetLife: First Cornerstone Partner in New Stadium - “MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) has reached an agreement in principle to be the first major marketing partner of the new Meadowlands stadium in New Jersey, future home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. As a Cornerstone Partner, MetLife will have the exclusive naming rights to brand one of the four main entrances to the new stadium as well as one of the four main scoreboards inside the stadium. MetLife will also become the official life insurance company of the Giants and Jets.”

Pressure Factor - Pat Kirwan discussed how Mathias Kiwanuka has to step up and make it easier for the defense to keep pressure on the Quarterback since Strahan retired.  Kirwan wrote, “While the expectation has been that Kiwanuka would be ready to take over for Strahan as the strong side end, he is able to do much more than just rush the passer. His invaluable experience at linebacker combined with the aggressive schemes of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could allow Kiwanuka to have a bigger impact than most realize.”

Hard Decisions Ahead - Michael Eisen pointed out that…

The NFL has mandated that camp rosters must be limited to 80 players, which will force most coaches to limit how hard and how long they work in camp. Back in the 1960s and 70s, many teams routinely started camp with more than 100 players on their roster. In recent years, teams were able to use NFL Europe roster exemptions, which added approximately six players to each roster for the duration of camp. But NFL Europe was disbanded after the 2007 season and the NFL is holding firm to the 80-man limit.

Due to this, Tom Coughlin said, “It is a big difference. You will have to (change your planning).”

Fans Take - A Giants fan expresses his feelings about the improbable 2007 season.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 1 (Video) - Part 1 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Michael Strahan.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 2 (Video) - Part 2 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Strahan.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 3 (Video) - Part 3 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Strahan.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 4 (Video) - Part 4 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Strahan.

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Pat Kirwan over at NFL.com pointed out that there may not be enough room for all of the NFL players that retired in 2008 to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013.  In order to determine who should get in the Hall of Fame, Kirwan interviewed 40 callers on his Sirius Radio show and received another 36 e-mails from fans, and this is how the voting went. In order, they are:

1. QB Brett Favre (Falcons/Packers)
2. OT Jonathan Ogden (Ravens)
3. DE Michael Strahan (Giants)
4. OG Larry Allen (Cowboys/49ers)
5. LB Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots)
6. DT Warren Sapp (Buccaneers/Raiders)
7. QB Steve McNair (Oilers/Titans/Ravens)

Kirwan also provided the achievements for each of these seven players.  Excluding Seniors Committee nominees, the maximum number that can be elected in a given year is five.  Plus you have to add the guys that didn’t get into Canton in years past.  Pat also said to, “Keep in mind Broncos WR Rod Smith (three Pro Bowls), 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young and possibly former Bills, and current Bears offensive guard Ruben Brown (nine Pro Bowls) could also be candidates in an already crowded class of 2013.

Here’s my spin on the list above.  None of the players were part of teams that made more than 2 Super Bowl appearances, and none of them were part of a team that won more than 1 Super Bowl.  There are no players that were part of a dynasty a la Joe Montana.  I must admit that I’ve never heard of Larry Allen.  I know who Jonathan Ogden is but never realized how great he’s been.  Ogden has made 11 Pro Bowl appearances.  The only player on the list with more is Junior Seau who made 12.  Larry Allen also made 11 Pro Bowl appearances.  It would be unfair if I rearranged the list because I might discredit the accomplishments of two players on the list.  At the same time, how is it possible that I don’t know their achievements if they are being considered for the Hall of Fame.  There is no way that McNair is a Hall of Famer.  McNair only made the Pro Bowl three times.  He has half as many yards as Favre, but he runs and Favre doesn’t so it’s not a fair comparison.  If I had to rearrange this list then it would look like this:

1. Brett Favre
2. Michael Strahan
3. Junior Seau
4. Warren Sapp
5. Jonathan Ogden
6. Steve McNair
7. Larry Allen

Let us know how you would list the players.

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Die Hard Giants Fan would like to wish all of you a Happy Father’s Day.  There isn’t too much fresh content out there today.

New York Daily News:

Giants have issues after Super season - In case you haven’t been paying attention to the news about the Giants every day, Ralph Vacchiano summarizes the stories that surfaced this week.

Giants must get rid of Jeremy Shockey before training camp - We know this already, but Gary Meyers made a good point about Jeremy Shockey in this article.  “The Giants have lost their leverage with teams knowing they have no choice but to trade him.”

On TV, Michael Strahan must tackle feelings toward Giants - Bob Raissman asks if Michael Strahan will have the balls to criticize the Giants if need be when he is a reporter.  Raissman reminds of us of how Tiki Barber was “unfairly vilified for his commentary”.  I didn’t think that there was anything unfair about it.  Did the Giants just win the Super Bowl without Tiki?  I believe they did.  The part of the article that quote my attention the most had nothing to do with Strahan or Tiki.  Instead, Bob noted that Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are the No. 1 NFL team on FOX Sports.  That’s funny because I think that they are the worst NFL team on television.  How did that happen?  Who voted for this pair?  I wish FOX Sports would include my opinion in their poles.  I wish that I can watch Giants games with Giants broadcasters whenever that pair broadcasts a game.  The only broadcaster worst than Joe Buck in MLB is Joe Morgan.

The Star-Ledger:

Strahan never led astray by father - Mike Garafolo put together a Father’s Day story for us.

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Carl Banks talks to ESPN about the NY Giants. Topics covered include Strahan’s retirement, Plax’s hold out, and Shockey’s antics.

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So the Giants have concluded their final day of Mini Camp.  The next 40 days or so are going to be much quieter since not much will be going on until they go up to Albany for training camp.  I’m sure we’ll continue to hear about Burress and Shockey until it’s resolved.  For now, Justin Tuck is expected to replace Strahan at left defensive end rather than moving Mathias Kiwanuka back up to the D-Line.

NFL.com is running a video called ‘Top 10 comebacks’.  Big Blue made the list twice, once on the winning end and once on the losing end.

• No. 9: Giants 17-point comeback over the Eagles in 2006.
• No. 3: 49ers 24-point comeback over the Giants on Wild Card Weekend in 2002.  This game just broke my heart.  I was up at Mohegan Sun watching the game in one of the bars, and I had to drive back to Long Island so depressed.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com believes that Michael Strahan may come back if the Jints call him and say that they need him back when the season is about to begin.

Giants.com:

Born to lead - Michael Eisen expects Antonio Pierce to take a bigger role as a leader for this team now that Strahan retired.  Pierce said,

I don’t feel that respect amongst the league. Talking to other guys throughout the league a lot of them said, ‘You guys played a hell of a game.’ A hell of a game - so the other 16 games in the regular season and the three playoff games really didn’t do anything for us. You hear that amongst players. We played a good game at the right time. Your quarterback got hot at the right time, your defense started playing ball at the right time. All those things are being said and heard, and that is fine and dandy. We have to do it again and the only thing we are shooting for is to win our division and get to the playoffs.

We are the underdogs again. We are not even picked to win our division, so there is nothing that has changed. The only thing that we have is the title of having the Super Bowl championship, of being the most recent Super Bowl champion. We are still the underdogs, and I think going into it we will probably be underdogs even at home again.

I know what they are saying, but I don’t worry about that. I am going to go about my business the same way I did last year. When Strahan wasn’t here for the whole OTAs, mini-camp, and training camp it was already starting to go that way last year. He came back and he picked up right where he left off. Obviously, he is not going to be here this year. But I am just going to do what I normally do, go about my business the same way. Obviously, I am going to be a little more vocal and I am going to have to be the guy to get after the guys a little bit more if need be.

I know AP loves to use the ‘underdog’ and the ‘us against the world’ mentality to prove everybody wrong.  I think that the media is retarded for saying that the Road Warriors are not the team to beat, but maybe it will benefit the team in a positive way this year just like it did last year.  Also, AP was the biggest leader on the team last season anyway.  Not just on the field, but he represented the team off the field as well (i.e., his weekly spot on WFAN).  He did a great job doing it also.  He does need to increase his role as a leader now that Strahan is gone.  It is funny how a guy like Pierce can become a leader because he was an undrafted free agent signed by the Redskins.  The Giants got him and he’s already been one of the leaders of the defense.  There are others guys who have been around much longer, but where are they? 

Mini Camp Report Day Three (Video) - John Schmeelk and Michael Eisen discussed day three of this week’s Mini Camp.

Fierce Pierce Report (Video) - John Schmeelk had a Q&A Session with Antonio Pierce.

6.13 DC Steve Spagnuolo (Video) - The media asked Steve Spagnuolo about moving forward without Strahan.

OC Kevin Gilbride (Video) - The media asked Kevin Gilbride about Shockey and Burress not being out there on the field.

WR Amani Toomer (Video) - The media asked Amani Toomer if he thinks it makes a difference that he was the only one out there for Eli Manning to throw to.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Video) - The media asked Tom Coughlin about this week’s Mini Camp.

QB Eli Manning (Video) - The media asked Eli Manning about this week’s Mini Camp.

RB Brandon Jacobs (Video) - The media asked Brandon Jacobs if they have a different attitude this year since they won the Super Bowl.

CB Sam Madison (Video) - The media asked Sam Madison what he thinks about Plaxico’s contract dispute.

WR Sinorice Moss (Video) - The media asked Sinorice Moss what we should expect from him this year.

New York Daily News:

O’Hara: Media misinterpreted me - Shaun O’Hara had this to say to the media.

I thought it was quite humorous that all these intellectuals with pens and recorders could totally miss the point that was made yesterday I was frustrated with the media. I never once criticized anybody or any teammates. So you guys missed the point on that one. I was asked a general question about players in general. It had no relevance whatsoever to anybody. (It was) a general question about players wanting more money and new contracts. I’m always going to side with the players when they want more money. You have to handle your business. But what I said was that in my opinion that there was a right way to do things. I’m not talking about those guys (Shockey and Burress). I never was talking about those guys. I was speaking in general terms, my belief about the way I would handle it.

Ralph Vacchiano stated that O’Hara, ” has been a consummate professional with the media ever since he joined the Giants. He has earned our trust and the benefit of the doubt, so I’ll believe him that his intent was not to specifically attack two teammates. Only he knows for sure and I’m not going to try to interpret what was in his head.”  With that said, Vacchiano included the transript of the interview and O’Hara did respond to the question specifically about Burress.  I don’t think O’Hara should back down from what he said.  He is the captain because he says the right things about the team.

The Star-Ledger:

Coughlin: Shockey an ‘issue’ - Mike Garafolo pointed out that Coughlin said that, “There is an issue.” when asked about Shockey’s mental state after practice, “but it’s not something that would prevent him from working.”

Final minicamp practice report - Mike Garafolo lets us know who impressed him on the final day of Mini Camp.

Rosenhaus cryptic about 80, 17 - Mike Garafolo provided the transcript from Drew Rosenhaus.  As usual, Rosenhaus didn’t have much to say about his clients.

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Everything should be smooth and calm in Giants land after they are coming off of a Super Bowl Victory.  However, the Jints still have some clowns to deal with.  The media has been speculating all week as to whether or not Shockey would show up to the mandatory mini camp.  He has, but he’s not participating.  He’s the only injured player not participating.  Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote this, “When asked if there was a reason Shockey wasn’t on the field, Coughlin said, “Well, not really.” Asked if he was supposed to be on the field, Coughlin said it would remain “between Shockey and I.”"  It seems like I get more and more pissed off everytime Shockey does something stupid, which is pretty often.  He really needs to figure it all out.  Even after not playing for a while, he still hasn’t matured.  The other clown is Burress who all of a sudden is holding out from mandatory mini camp.  Simply put, he wants a contract extension.  Does he deserve a raise?  It can be justified.  He had a great year last season on one leg.  He was huge in the NFC Championship game and he caught the game winning touch down in the Super Bowl.  At the same time, he was underachieving prior to last season.  He had one great year and a couple of subpar years.  He’s asking for the extension after the great year.  It would be funny if teams asked players for a refund after the subpay years.  Anyway, his request can be justified.  However, I don’t understand the holdout.  You signed the contract so show up and play.  Let your agent do his job.  Honor your conract whether they grant you your request or not.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reported that some of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII rings were stolen some time last weekend.  Thieves broke into an E.A. Dion Jewelry store in Attleboro, MA., and took about $2 million worth of merchandise.  The police are currently investingating the situation.

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com takes a look at soon-to-be third year wideouts to unearth potential sleepers in the world of fantasy football.  Fabiano made a list of 10 receivers, and Steve Smith made the list.  This was Fabiano’s analysis:

While he missed much of the regular season with an injured shoulder, the “other” Steve Smith did make his presence felt throughout the Giants’ postseason run. With some NFL experience under his belt and a more confident Eli Manning under center, Smith could develop into one of the better No. 3 wideouts in the league. He will have to contend with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, but Smith still has the potential to catch 50-plus passes in 2008.

Giants.com:

Strahan goes out on top

Reaction to Strahan retirement - A compilation of excerpts from various people in the NFL.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin about the first day of the mandatory mini camp.

Papa’s Perspective (Video) - Giants Play by Play Announcer Bob Papa will give his latest thoughts on Strahan’s Giants career.

Coach Tom Coughlin Presser - (Video) - Coughlin introduced Strahan in the Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 1 (Video) - Part 1 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 2 (Video) - Part 2 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 3 (Video) - Part 3 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Giants GM Jerry Reese (Video) - Jerry Reese answers questions from the media about Strahan.

Giants President John Mara (Video) - John Mara answers questions from the media about Strahan.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 1 (Video) - Strahan talks about his early childhood memories up through his rookie season in 1993 playing with L.T.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 2 (Video) - Strahan discusses offensive formations.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 3 (Video) - Strahan teaches viewers a few of his moves as a Defensive End.

Newsday:

Strahan makes retirement official

Some famous un-retirements - Babara Barker wonders if Strahan is serious about his retirement and made a list of 10 athletes that came out of retirement.

Giants lose a leader in Strahan

Strahan blessed to go out as Super Bowl champ

New York Daily News:

Plaxico: No new contract, no minicamp - Ralph Vacchiano reported that Plaxico Burress is holding out from mandatory mini camp until he gets a new contract.

Michael Strahan retires after Hall of Fame career with the Giants

Without Michael Strahan, road to repeat will be tougher for Giants

Jerry Reese at ready with Giant plan

Michael Strahan gets push for Hall of Fame from co-owner John Mara

New York Post:

TRUE BLUE MIKE ‘A GIANT FOR LIFE’

A STRA DOG, BUT WITH PERSONALITY

WITHOUT NO. 92, SOME ENOURMOUS SHOES TO FILL

RING-ING IN A NEW CAREER - Phil Simms had this to say about Strahan as he heads into his broadcasting career, “Michael Strahan’s naturally a very outgoing guy. He’s a lot of fun. He’s a professional athlete who’s had tremendous success. He’s somebody who can succeed in television, no question. He’ll bring his perspective and I think we all know he’s not gonna be afraid to speak about it.”

ELI: GOAL TO GET BETTER, NOT REPEAT - Eli Manning stated, “We’ve said we’re not going to talk about repeating or doing that, just becoming a better team. We have a lot of work to do. You look at a lot of things from last year that we did not do well. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot of things.”

STRAHAN LEAVES AS A CHAMPION

New York Times:

Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time

Manning Says the Focus Is on Improving

Super Bowl Ring in Hand, Strahan Says He’s Retiring

The Star-Ledger:

And then there’s Shockey… - The Star-Ledger snapped a picture of Shockey.

Rosenhaus on Shockey and Burress - Mike Garafolo provided the brief conference Drew Rosenhaus just had about Shockey and Burress.  As usual, Rosenhaus had nothing to say about either one of them.  Think back to T.O.

More from Plax Pt. 2

More from Plax Pt. 1

Burress sitting out in contract dispute

Shockey’s in Jersey, but not practicing

Strahan’s last play: A glittering goodbye

Strahan played for passion, fans

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In case you missed it, here is a 10:00 version of the Strahan retirement Press Conference.  Yesterday, I was looking for this on Giants.com, NFL.com, and SNY.tv.  It was aired on SNY so I figured it might’ve been there.  ESPN.com ended up having it.

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Now retired, Mr. Michael Strahan will enjoy life next to his better half and leave us with the great memories we have of when he was a New York Giant.

15 seasons was definitely a long time spent in the NFL but Strahan made it look very attainable for others. The position of defensive end is a tough one to keep up with. Involving strength to push back the heavier, taller and younger offensive linemen has been the biggest demonstration of well skilled for Strahan. Yes you have to be a beast, but also realize that the person you’re going against has been practicing by pushing a Hummer around the parking lot. Strahan knows it is more about how you throw your weight and the angle of approach that will give you the advantage which is why we thank him for schooling our young Giants. We did not just lose one of our biggest player but also one of our biggest teachers.

It’s going to be an unusual situation to get accustomed to when we see the lineup without Strahan but I can promise you he has left many good lessons to the next generation. Now, with Osi, Justin, and Mathias we will see what Strahan has equipped us with. These fine young men or as I would say “these bad mutha fu#!%*$” are going to show NFL fans how to tear it up. It’s not a hypothesis; it is a proven fact that these young men have what it takes. Strahan has left, but he has also left us with a fine regiment on the defensive front.

The great Michael Strahan has played his last game but will not be forgotten. Just like we won’t forget the moments when we requested a sack from him and he gave us the satisfaction. Just like when we thought the rival running backs were going to punch a hole through our defense and he caught a foot. Just like when we saw him get double teamed and others stepped in to put the pressure, Strahan has left us many memories indeed. His spirit, his power of will, his respect for other players and for the game…that is what is like to be a New York Giant.

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