Friends on BBI:
It will be announced soon that the Giants and GameDay Publishing will be producing the official commemorative book of the 2007 season, a coffee table book rich in photographs and memories of a great season. it will be on sale by Opening Night in September.
We want some of your voices in the book and are asking for a little help.
Think back, as we know you often do, to the entire season and pick out a favorite moment or moments (or even an unfavorite moment or moments) and post it here. We'll be looking at them and expect to use some in the book. This is a fans' book. Do you have a great story to tell about the season and the Super Bowl? We'd love to hear it.
What do we mean? High points. Low points. One quick thought about the Tyree catch. One quick thought about the Vikings game. The first Eagles game. The Pats game in December. What you shouted when Plax caught the TD. Your fear when Brady got the ball back one more time. Those kinds of things. Think about things that have not been written about so frequently. Things only a real Giants fan would notice and react to.
Try to recall what you were thinking then. For sure many of these memories are already on the site but it will make gathering more do-able if you can respond on this thread.
Many thanks.
Arthur Pincus
Note from Eric from BBI: Please take your time, really think about your posts in advance, and proof read your work before you post. This is a good chance to have your views/feelings in the official book of one of the great Giants' seasons. Put some thought into it. I think the story that was posted the other day of the poster's father holding on to see the game before he passed away was very moving for example.
As Ed and I walked in with our Giants' paraphenalia, the filled to capacity Coffeepot Restaurant erupted with cheers and applause...They were jubilent...Needless to say, Ed and I were floating on air...I have never experienced a greater feeling beyond the Super Bowl euphoria I had just experienced...It was awesomee and Ed and I were moved to tears...
Anyway, at the end of the third quarter I said to Mikey, "We are staying here until that F-ing clock reads all zeroes, and one day it's gonna come back to us." It ended up a miserable 30-7 loss and a 2 hour trip home to a sad dinner on Christmas Eve.
Fast forward over a year later to February 3, 2008. Gibril Wilson knocks down Tom Brady's 4th down heave and the Giants are champs. Mikey and I are with a dozen or so friends at Dorrian's on 84th and 2nd. After the initial screaming and celebrating subsides, Mikey says to me with tears in his eyes, "Remember Christmas Eve last year?"
I'll never forget it.
Little did I know how things would turn out just ten weeks later. It was a magical run a created a feeling that will last a lifetime.
Fast forward to the end of the game, every Giants fan in our section was going ballistic…..hugging, high fives and pure delirium. I look over and the same guy, in a great show of sportsmanship, extends his hand and congratulates me on the win. I asked him if the money he won made up for the loss in any way and he looks down and shakes his head no. He then tells me that he placed the bet with his best friend and the total payout on the game was going to put him out of business.
London Game vs Miami
Eagles away game
Bills away game
Tampa wildcard game
and finally capped it with the SuperBowl victory
some of the games I went with friends and other times I went to meet BBIers. In tampa we had a huge BBI gathering 50+ people tailgating..i even had friends trying to start a fund for me for dallas and green bay to be the giants good luck charm...what a great feeling on the whole season..i will never forget it
Throughout the playoffs I was expecting the worst and delighted by success, but as the momentum grew so did this uncomfortable, nagging belief that this season was different. Something magical was happening. Of course we could win if everything went right, but when does that ever happen? When indeed.
At halftime of the Super Bowl I recall thinking the Giants were doing what they needed to in order to have a chance to win. Deep into the second half I had this nagging belief that they could actually triumph! Being a good fidian I kept these thoughts well buried and as the Patriots drove down the field for their go-ahead score that flame of hope flickered to an ember, only to be revived by the heroic efforts of Manning and Tyree. Once that completion was made I said out loud, "My God, we could actually win this!" and by saying it made my belief real. As the final seconds ticked away in victory I turned from the television to my wife, sitting calmly in her chair, and saw through my tears her mouth silently form the words I had heard her say so many times that season,
"Oh ye, of little faith..."
And I thought of Spider Lockhart, and Harry Carson and of my father, who had himself turned like me from the television so many times before only to say, “I’m leaving the room” because the Giants always played better when he didn’t watch, and I thought maybe a little faith isn’t such a bad thing after all.
“17-14. Believe it and it will happen.”
Michael, you made a believer out of me.
While the season had it's ups and downs, something felt different to me about this season. Maybe it was the influx of new talent from what may be one of the most talented rookie classes the Giants have ever seen. Maybe it was that I was now able to watch Giants games with my own child.
The playoff run was remarkable. Beating Dallas in Dallas was one of the greatest feelings I've ever had as a Giants fan. To this day I have a picture of me and my daughter in our Giants gear sitting next to the television with the disgusted face of Jerry Jones after the loss staring back at us.
The Super Bowl was a blur. My daughter was four months old and had fallen asleep around half time. It was surreal to be so excited watching the game and to have to be so quiet so as not to wake the baby. When Eli connected with Tyree I let out some sort of a muted yelp, and it woke my young daughter, who started to cry. Here's Dad trying to contain himself and here is my young daughter trying to sleep. Finally when we saw "Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!" I fell to the floor, silent.
While I anxiously waited out the last 35 seconds, I was holding my Strahan helmet, and I kept saying 'I can't believe it, the Giants are going to win the Super Bowl.' I was crying at times and excited beyond belief. Part of the joy was seeing my beloved Giants be crowned the best in the league. Another part of the joy was seeing Eli get the recognition he trully deserves and part of it was seeing Michael Strahan finally get his ring.
For me on a personal level, I will always look back on the 2007 season and know that it all started for me with the birth of my daughter and a goal line stand in Washington. My little baby good luck charm helped my beloved Giants all the way to Phoenix. And somewhere overhead I knew that Wellington was smiling as the Lombardi trophy was handed to his son John.
Brennan in Vermont
The whole superbowl experience was one I will never forget. From the week prior up until the week after.
ANyway, here is Montreal Man's little snippet, which, if you are interested, I can elaborate on.
Lonk - ( New Window )
After the Dallas victory my season was made – from then on we were playing with house money. Of course I relish our Super Bowl glory, but beating our arch-rival in the playoffs was my personal highpoint.
Then we start off the season 0-2.
Fast forward to the Redskins game in Week Three and we are on the verge of going 0-3. Mitchell with two huge plays on 3rd and 4th and Goal and the Giants hold.
That, to me, is what really started it all, that sequence of plays. That’s when, in my opinion, you really saw the “no quit” mentality of this team start to form. We had rough games, and games we coasted through here and there through the regular season, but I thought this team always came to play, always played hard.
After Week 17, you saw this team lay it all out there, with nothing to gain. Tremendous game, tremendous effort shown. You had to think the Giants knew they had a shot to take it to Arizona after that game...if you didn't, you're not a Giants fan.
Then the Giants win 4 in a row on the road to become the World Champs. I felt so proud of this team, proud of every individual player who contributed to the team concept and busted their ass every day to make the season what it was. They deserved to win it all, and they did.
I feel truly grateful to have experienced this season. I don’t think we will ever see a team, or a run, quite like the 2007 New York Football Giants had in my lifetime.
Then we start off the season 0-2.
Fast forward to the Redskins game in Week Three and we are on the verge of going 0-3. Mitchell with two huge plays on 3rd and 4th and Goal and the Giants hold.
That, to me, is what really started it all, that sequence of plays. That’s when, in my opinion, you really saw the “no quit” mentality of this team start to form. We had rough games, and games we coasted through here and there through the regular season, but I thought this team always came to play, always played hard.
After Week 17, you saw this team lay it all out there, with nothing to gain. Tremendous game, tremendous effort shown. You had to think the Giants knew they had a shot to take it to Arizona after that game...if you didn't, you're not a Giants fan.
Then the Giants win 4 in a row on the road to become the World Champs. I felt so proud of this team, proud of every individual player who contributed to the team concept and busted their ass every day to make the season what it was. They deserved to win it all, and they did.
I feel truly grateful to have experienced this season. I don’t think we will ever see a team, or a run, quite like the 2007 New York Football Giants had in my lifetime.
Here goes:
arthurpincus@yahoo.com
Pretty original, huh?
Berrylish: I'd love to see the whole story of how you got Bob's ashes on the field.
Only, I’d forgotten that the place was a frequent Green Bay fan hangout. We arrived to see the place packed with Packer Backers in full regalia, Favre jerseys and cheese heads lined the room. Who wears a dairy product on their head in Virginia? I must admit, I was a bit pessimistic knowing we were playing at Lambeau, in the cold, versus Favre and a team that crushed us in the regular season. It seemed the stars would align to give the NFL the Brady vs. Favre Super Bowl they wanted. Still, I held out the hope of any true fan. Perhaps today was any given Sunday.
When Jacobs ran over a Packer DB early on, I loved the tone he’d set; “We’re not the same team you saw in week 2. We’re here to play!” Soon, the Packer fans got excited as Green Bya took the lead on a long TD. One particularly obnoxious woman old enough to know better (and then some) would dance around when the Packers had any success and even urged us to get up and celebrate although we were obviously Giants fans. We took the abuse quietly. Waiting. Watching. Cheering. Hoping.
As the Giants began to play better and better our hopes were buoyed. Burress seemed to own Harris, and The Pack fans got nervous. Their bravado rang empty. When one of our players remained down after a play late in the game, a Packer fan said, “Good!” I shook my head, “That’s bad karma to cheer for an injury. No football fan should ever do that.” It was a clear sign that their confidence was waning.
When Bradshaw broke through the line, kept his balance, and was off to the races for what appeared to be a long TD, we got on our feet, “Go, Bradshaw! Go! “ The yellow flag for holding nearly broke our hearts – had the big play we needed just slipped through our fingers? If we were discouraged, the Giants were not. They battled valiantly: the defense coming up big again and again, Eli working in the cold like he was the sure fire Hall of Famer, not the QB that was vying for his 3rd playoff win.
When Tynes missed the first field goal, we grit our teeth. By now, our nerves were as raw as Coughlin’s frostbitten visage. When we lined up for the second FG try to win it at the end of regulation, the sports bar became unnaturally silent. But, as the kick floundered, the Pack fans erupted. Their cheers redoubled when Green Bay won the toss. This was what they’d been waiting for, was it not? Favre? At home? In overtime? With the ball in sudden death? The Cheeseheads were sure the Giants would never see the ball again. At that moment I turned to my brother-in-law and said, “You know, the Giants might not win this, but they deserve to win it. We’ve out-played them the entire game.”
Then Favre threw the fateful out and our bench-to-hero CB, Webster, makes yet another great play, breaking on the ball for the interception. Now it was our turn to cheer, as the Packers fans just sat in slack jawed shock. But, the Giants failed to advance the ball. The Packers fans derided the Giants as we sent Tynes out yet again for an even longer try. “Good, they’re sending him out to try again!” Even I had to wonder, “Is Coughlin trying to kill poor Tynes?” But, the kicker proved as resilient as the rest of the team, and the ball sailed though the frigid air and through the uprights. Dennis and I arose in unison with the referee’s arms. It was good!
We jumped around and hugged. The Packers fans paid their check, and filed out, some showing some begrudging respect. We watched the presentation of the trophy, and realized, “We’re going to the Super Bowl!” Standing there, I felt that if any team was strong enough, resilient enough, and talented enough to knock off an undefeated team it was this one! Our New York Giants.
That family is truly one of gems.
I sat next to my friend, another big Giants fan. Earlier that day, he mentioned going to the parade. I realize, why not, if the Giants did the impossible, I'd go too.
The game starts. We follow his family tradition of a shot of Sambuca at kickoff. For good measure, we took two.
My two friends to the left were big Giant fans. We were the biggest GMen fans in the room. The game rolls on. 3-0. 7-3. 14-7. 14-10. With every first down, we smile. With ever Patriots point, we die a little inside.
The Giants are two minutes away from losing the game. Eli Manning begins the march down the field. You could feel the energy in that small apartment. Everyone was going crazy, watching that image projected 100 inches onto a normally boring wall. Manning marches down the field. Manning to Tyree. Manning to Smith. Jacobs for positive yardage. My mind is raising. Can he do it. Is there still too much time on the clock.
Finally, Manning finds Burress alone in the endzone. Touchdown. 17-14. I jump into my friends arms. I almost start crying. But there's still time left.
I could barely watch the next 35 seconds. But I do. When the clock hits 00:00, I jump into my friend's arms and we share an embrace. We run outside, embrace again, and around like mad dogs. The Giants were champs. We were going to NY for the parade.
My mom calls. They did it. A friend and former Web site boss calls. They did it. No one believed it. My friend leaves, comes back, and makes me do another shot of Sambuca with him. Why not, he says. The Giants are World Champions.
I couldn't sleep that night. The beer was finished, the chips were gone, the projector turned off and everyone went home. But the Giants were still champs.
To have been in Arizona and seen it happen right in front of you live, I cannot fathom what it must have been like. My father and two brothers attended the game in Phoenix, but for some reason (maybe my lack of money) I felt obligated to stay at school and watch it with my Giants buddies.
There was not a greater feeling in the world when I saw Eli and the rest of the victory formation go out with one second left; February 3rd, 2008 was the greatest day of my life, not just because the Giants won the Super Bowl, but how they did it and who they did it against. We stopped history, and in return made history ourselves. Don't bother asking me for details about the bar afterwards, because I was throwing down victory shots with everyone while rocking out to "Back in the New York Groove" and "New York, New York" (no Pats fans were there, obviously because they were either a.) too busy figuring out what just happened and/or b.) they were too busy eating crow).
"TALK IS CHEAP, PLAY THE GAME"
-Mikey T
I mean she became an actual fan where she watched every game with me (yelled at the TV), memorized the players, went to camp, and had a genuine interest in learning the game. this was huge to me. In my house durning football season Sunday is always "stay away from crazy dad day, especially if the giants are loosing".
fast forward to the second washington game. she wanted to watch but i made her go to bed. she was very upset with me and mad she would miss the game and said to me "if you make me go to bed, the giants will loose (she thought they win because she watches) and Shockey (my favorite player) will probably break his leg!" needless to say, KayKay has NEVER missed another game!! She even painted her face and wore an Eli jersey all day superbowl sunday.
There are a ton of father/son stories out there. Hell, me and my dad watch the giants every week together. He has been a fan for 50+ years. however, this year when my daughter actually became a fan, not just humoring dad but a real fan, this season became real, real special to me.
So my brother Steve came over the house to watch the Super Bowl. Just in case, I had purchased a bottle of champagne.
I remember, when Eli threw the TD pass to Burress, just repeating over and over and over, "we're gonna win the Super Bowl." I couldn't believe it.
When the Giants win, we pop open the bottle of champagne; I'm bear-huggin and high-fiving my eight year old son Joseph, who in between bear-hugs and high-fives is throwing a football in the air and pretending he's Plaxico Burress making the game-winning catch. What's funny about that is that even the other day, I'm throwing the ball in the back yard with him and he's like "Daddy, let's do Eli to Burress" - which means I float the ball to the corner of the yard and while it's in the air yell "Manning lobs it, Burress alone, TD New York!!" And he catches it.
So, anyway, I have a photgraph that I keep in the upper-left hand drawer of my office desk; it's tucked inside the fold of a letter I once got from John Mara. It's a picture of me and Steve toasting our G-Men with the champagne. In the picture, I look like I'm in tears. While I remember being elated over the win, I don't remember being in tears. I took this picture out recently to show Steve and I asked him "hey man, look, do I look like I'm crying in this picture or what?" But, I really don't show this picture to anyone and I never will; I don't want anyone to look at it and say "Hey, James, yeah, you were crying!" I take it out every once in a while to look at it, laugh at myself, and to remember: me and my brother toasting our Super Bowl Champion Giants!!
Somewhere, in this house, there's a picture of 2 year old Pete in the arms of a young 1st round draft pick from the University of North Carolina. My parents had struck up a conversation with the young rookie, and he had agreed to take a picture with their little boy. That young 1st round pick? Lawrence Taylor.
My parents have had season tickets since the 70s. When I grew up, I was told stories about pitiful Giants teams in the Yale Bowl and the early years of Giants Stadium. By five and six years old, I could tell you the number, name, and position of every player on the Giants roster. My grandfather would toss a little Giants football with me, and I'll always remember that. In January 1987, my parents pulled me out of school for a week. We were going to the Rose Bowl to watch us in 21. I'd be lying to you if I told you I remember the game live. I do remember two things vividly - in pregame, my father said, "Simms looks great today." and when the Giants came out the tunnel, McConkey went wild with that towel, even going as far to knock a goal line pylon down. The game is a blur, really.
In January 1991, I remember the details of the games much more. I remember Hoss to Bavaro in SF. Reasons on the fake punt run. Howard forcing the fumble, LT with the recovery. Ingram on 3rd and 9 in the SB. OJ giving Kelso the uppsercut. Norwood wide right. But as a 12 year old, though I remember holding the hands of family and beloved friends as Norwood's kick sailed wide, I didn't realize the wonder of that moment. I remember the joy, but I don't remember why other than our team won.
Then, the dark years came. Every one of you will nod when I type this list, because we all know: H-----y, 44-3 in Frisco for LT and Simms' last game, sure-handed Calloway botching the onside recovery, Super Bowl XXXV, a tough loss in Denver on an opening Monday night followed by unspeakable tragedy the next morning when all our worlds changed on 9-11, Trey Junkin, Joe Horn and his flipping cell phone. Through it all, we all wondered if we would ever feel that feeling again. But, we all knew one thing. We are Giants fans, it has been drummed into us.
The light began to flicker in the next coming years with the arrival of young Eli. But, we wondered yet again when Roethlisberger, a fellow rookie, led his Steelers to that land we so desperately wanted. Did we get the right guy? Our fears did not lessen as Carolina whipped us in January 06, Philly bested us in OT in January 07, and we started 0-2 in September 07. But somewhere along the line, we stood up like the teams of yesteryear. We refused Washington on 4th and 1, and away we went. But, I confess to you all. In my heart, I did not think we were good enough.
In Buffalo, I thought it was over in that disastrous 1st 5 minutes. Home vs. New England, I thought it was a noble effort, but still not good enough. But, I thought we could win a playoff game. Just give me that and I would be happy. It would be progress, and we could continue to next year.
That's how I rationalized the pain that I thought was coming. Each week, it would be okay because we made progress from the previous year. We beat Tampa, and I was happy, but surely next week in Dallas, it would end vs. the favored Cowboys. We took it in Dallas, but surely it would end in frigid Green Bay. We took it in Green Bay, but surely it would end vs. the undefeated Patriots. But, it would be okay because we had made progress.
Then, the game happened. Little by little, I started to believe. We were hanging around, and it was only 7-3. We were hitting Brady a lot. Tom Petty came on and told the world to stand up at the gates of hell and not back down. The 3rd quarter flew by, and they knew they were in a game. By this time, like many of you all, I'm promising anything I can to anyone who will listen. Just let the Giants score and win this thing, and I promise I'll stop cursing, give more money to the poor, be a nicer person, etc. etc. etc. Then, we scored. Eli found Boss, Eli found Tyree in the end zone, and we had the lead. It could happen, but there was too much time. Brady led them down, and the Pats scored. Then, I realized..
We had come too far to stop now. We were at the gates of hell, and we wouldn't back down. Whatever happened, it was okay, because I started to believe again. Periodically, I'd look at my father, and I could tell he wanted this one so bad. Thoughts kept running through my mind: 20+ years as a cop in New Jersey, and he looked forward to those Sundays so much. Give this to him now, Eli. Come on, make your reads, we're almost there. They came from all sides, and he refused to back down. I believe, Eli. I believe now. Tyree's mother just died this year, but he soared higher than ever before and didn't back down. Scramble, Eli. Find Stevie on the sidelines. Stop the clock, we'll be okay. Okay, four shots at the end zone now, let's go, Eli. Then, it was Plax. Plax, the man who had played this year with such pain, had given that TD ball in Washington to Lt. Col. Gadsen. Plax made that wonderful move with that clutch catch in the corner of the end zone. But, there was still 35 seconds... believe, and it will happen.
By this time, we're standing, we're yelling, we're going crazy. When that final pass hit the turf, it all hit me. Born into this wonderful thing, all those memories came rushing back. My father and I leaped into each other's arms and told each other we loved each other. We danced and yelled like little boys. My mother had happy tears in her eyes. So many friends and family members called. It was all worth it, and they can never take it from us. We believed, and it happened.
I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. That's what this thing is about: love, family, friends, and a connection to the past. It's a pretty cool thing to go to the store and see a fellow Giant fan. All it takes is a smile and a nod with a point to the Giant hat. Sometimes, I play them my ringtone, "Manning lobs it, Burress alone, Touchdown New York!" It's just this thing. This thing keeps on beating in our hearts. Friends and family members may pass, but this thing will keep going. I couldn't think of a better thing to be born into.
One of the few Giants games I'd been to was the nightmare in Seattle in 2005 when Jay Feely missed three straight game-winning field goals (two in overtime).
As the NFC Championship game went to overtime I was sure my presence caused some horrible curse on Giants kickers. This game was going just like the Seattle game two years before. Lawrence Tynes missed two field goals late in the fourth quarter that would have won the game. In overtime he kicked his third potential game-winning field goal, longer than the two he missed, but this time the ball sailed through the uprights. The Giants won. My curse was broken. The Giants were going to the Super Bowl.
"This fight could be the last fight
No giving and no winning
One time could be the all the time
Should we decide to end the misery"
Whenever I listen to that song now I just think of driving alone on Route 80 west before the game steeling myself up for what might be the last game, or the "last fight", of the Giant's season.
All week I told my friend to dress warm, in layers and be ready for rain. Did he listen? No. He shows up that morning in a sweatshirt and jean jacket. No rain gear, nothing warm.
Being my birthday I had a few on the drive and continued in the lot. Due to a problem with security, by the time I got to my seat it was 14-0 Buffalo and had started to rain. My buddy and I figured as long as the rain was not blowing in our faces, we would be OK. Unfortunately, not the case. The cold downpour continued and soaked my friend but not me as I had come very prepared with insulated ski pants and rain gear. I was fine...he was not. Before half time he had enough. I was afraid he would make me leave and miss my birthday game. But, being the good friend he is, he handed me $20, said happy birthday and went to sit in the car. I made friends with the Giants' fans around me and drank until I could drink no more.
We all know what happened that game. Many consider it a turning point for the team as they finally clinched the playoff spot. But it meant more to me. I have been friends with this guy for over 20 years but never did I think he would do what he did. He sat in the car for two hours waiting for me so I could enjoy my birthday. he put up with my drunkeness on the drive home and enjoyed home made Black Forest cake (courtesy of my wife) with my family. I'll never forget what he did for me that day.
Steve L.
The entire game was very exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. From Amani Toomer's long touch down early in the game to the clutch Eli Manning led drive at the end of the 1st half, the Giants and Cowboys went back and forth. My nerves and my fingernails were suffering because of this. During the Cowboys final drive I remember pacing back and forth in my house constantly. I was watching the game with my Fiance (whom I have recruited to the Giants bandwagon within the 7 years we have been together) and even she was nervous. Romo eventually made an unbelievable flip-pass to Jason Witten to keep the drive going and I could not believe my eyes. The Giants were so close to pulling off another upset on the road but Dallas was moving the ball in to scoring territory. I could not take it. I nearly lost it. I was going so crazy, screaming and yelling at my TV as if my noise would some how help the Giants defense out. Finally, fourth down came. Romo dropped back and it seemed like this play took forever. Watching it live it seemed like Romo had at least a good 20 seconds to sit in the pocket and find an open receiver. When R.W. McQuarters intercepted Romo's pass in the end zone I was over come with happiness. My fiance and I hugged and yelled in celebration and not long after my mom called me to talk about the game (She never calls until it's over) and celebrate as well. It was after that miraculous effort by the Giants that I knew with 100% certainty they had a shot to win it all. People would still keep telling me otherwise, but I would just smile and tell them to wait and see. They usually laughed at me and told me the (insert opposing team name here) would beat the Giants. But in the end, the Giants prevailed, and I got the last laugh.
I had high expectations for this team last season. Nobody gave us a shot. I knew that this team was hungry, and was going to make some noise. After the Cowboys game and Packers games, I began to brace myself for a long season ahead, and I couldn't understand why we weren't playing better. There were alot of defining moments during this histroic campaign. Osi had the game of a lifetime against the Eagles and just as it seemed like we were rolling towards a playoff birth, we get stomped against the Vikings, and begin playing terribly. I believe the last game of the season against the undefeated Patriots is the game that gave us confidence to do what we did.
I remember being so happy after the playoff game in Dallas finally ended. I was emotionally drained afterwards, and just fell to the floor in complete happiness. I thought to myself that this was enough for me, I'd be fine with losing to Green Bay. Luckily, I knew my team would not allow that. Personally, the Packers game was the best game I have ever seen up to that point. As Tynes lined up for the game-winning kick, I knew he was going to miss it, and I think maybe EVERY Giants fan did also. When he did, memories came back to me of the heartbreak I was about to feel. So close to making the Super Bowl, and we were going to lose. There was no way that the Giants would lose the coin toss, get the ball back from Brett Favre and win this game. We were going to lose.
Not this team. This team had too much heart. As Tynes kicked that ball, I knew it was good. I didn't even wait to see if it has went through the uprights. I ran out of the door and started yelling, screaming and proclaiming to the world that the Giants, MY NEW YORK GIANTS, were going to the Super Bowl. Suddenly, in the middle of the street I dropped to my knees, starting crying my eyes out, and just took the feeling all in. It's something I will never forget.
Two weeks later, the biggest game of my life didn't disappoint. I knew we were going to win. We had already won. We weren't supposed to be here. I didn't sit down the whole game. When David Tyree scored at the beginning of the fourth quarter, I remember thinking that we were only minutes away from completing the most improbable run in NFL history. Then, the Patriots drive down the field and score. Instantly, everything was taken out of me. My friend just about broke his wrist punching this door out of frustration. We were going to fall just short. We were going to lose. I still had trust, but a game winning drive in the Super Bowl against the 18-0 Patriots? Not likely. However, once again, No. Not this team. Not this time. Not this game. The New York Giants would not break the hearts of their loyal fans once again.
Toomer, first down. Suddenly, it's 4th and 1, and we need to convert. Boom, 1st down. My mind is racing, I think I'm having a heart attack. 3rd and 5. Little did I know that I was about to experience that greatest play in the histroy of sports. Manning drops back, is pressured, and all I'm thinking is that he has to hold on to the ball. Don't fumble out last chance, we can still do this on fourth down. Suddenly, he gets out of it. "OH!" He throws. "OHHH!" Tyree goes up and ctaches that ball against his helmet. I have no words. About a minute later, I mutter a "Did he catch that? How? WE"RE GOING TO WIN!"
Steve Smith, Clutch first down! First and 10.
"Manning, lobs it, BURRESS! ALONE! TOUCHDOWN NEW YORK" People in space could have heard me scream. We were going to do it! We've won the Super Bowl! We did it!
Wait, these are the New York Giants. Is it possible? Can they tear my heart out again. I mean, this is Tom Brady with the ball and plenty of time. I calm myself down and prepare for the worst. As soon as that fourth down pass fell incomplete, everybody expected me to go nuts. I didn't. Again, I fell to my knees and started crying my eyes out. My dream has come true. The New York Giants are the Super Bowl Champions.
I repeat, The New York Giants are the Super Bowl Champions.
Thank you for this opportunity.
I heard how the Giants would never end the Patriots perfect regular season. (I blame myself for that loss as well. My buddy and I were watching the game and the Giants had just scored to make it 28-16, when I decided to finish watching it at a party my girlfriend was at to see her a little. And we know how that turned out. My apologies to all Giants fans everywhere.) Through the playoff run, it was the same old stuff. "The Giants are going to get steamrolled by Tampa". Except not, as Eli shows us how good he can be.
Dallas was especially sweet for me. I hate Dallas more then anything, and many of my friends are Dallas fans. All week it was "0-3" "Sweep" "Giants are going to get killed by Romo again!". Then that game was about as heart stopping as any... that is, until next week. With Romo in control, Dallas driving, and time winding down, I just knew I was being set up for the most crushing defeat I had ever seen. Except not, as R.W. picks off the choker that is Romo, and the Giants win, proving everyone except for us die-hards wrong.
Next week, all I hear about is Week 2, and Brett Favre, and how the Giants are going to get killed again. Remember how heart stopping I said the Dallas game was? Well this was worse. Every missed field goal brought a wave of trash talking from people who had just decided to root against the Giants because they knew how worked up I got about them and decided to mess with one of their friends. Well, Tynes misses, and its overtime. When the Packers won the toss, I turned to my friend who happens to be the only other Giants fan at the school, and stated simply, "They're going to break our hearts again aren’t they?". She said to shut up and watch the game, so I ended up watching Corey Webster justify his selection in one play, and Tynes justify his signing four plays later. I was ecstatic beyond belief, and couldn’t wait for the Super Bowl.
Which was two weeks later. Which meant two more weeks of trash talking, hating, and doubting from everyone in earshot. My roommate hammered me hardest, bringing up all this Week 17 stuff. (I mentioned to him that we didn’t have Bradshaw who, incidentally, would have the most rushing yards in the Super Bowl.) Of course, he had never heard of Bradshaw, and laughed at any notion of a Giants victory.
Well, the Super Bowl arrives, and our entire dorm building packs into the community room to watch the Super Bowl. Me and my friend Payton are the only Giants fans there, so we sit together right in front of the TV. My roommate sits behind me, so every time the Patriots do something positive, I get to hear it! The first three quarters of the game are uneventful, compared with what was to come.
Fast forward to 3rd and Goal. Brady back, Webster falls, Patriots 14, Giants 10.
Everyone goes crazy, and calls it game over. I calmly turn around and say simply, "Eli has the ball in a two minute drill. We are going to score, I just hope we don't do it so quickly that we give Tom Brady too much time." Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, but I knew I was right. See, I was at the Denver game in 05. Stayed till the end. Watched Eli march us back, and in that instant, knew he was going to be something great. The Super Bowl was just a manifestation of this greatness.
4th and 1. 3rd and 5. 3rd and 11. Jacobs. Tyree. Smith. The amount of clutch and moxie shown on this drive was incredible. I missed Eli escaping because I freaked out when I thought he was sacked. Not that I was too worried, because trust me, Eli would have converted that 4th down.
Flash forward. Manning, Lobs it, Burress, Alone, Touchdown New York!!! I went crazy. I broke down crying. Everything that had happened that season was for something. Everything the Giants endured was for the ultimate prize. Turned to my roommate and just smiled. Perfect season gone. Months of abuse finally vindicated.
Of course, as I feared, we left Tom Brady 35 seconds. The rest was a blur. Alford's sack, Gibril's deflection. :01.
:00
The Giants were World Champions. There has never been a feeling like it, and I doubt there ever will be again. Thank you, New York Football Giants, for giving me the moment of a lifetime.
-John D.
I'm a third generation season ticket holder, and have been a die-hard Giants fan since the late 70's. I grew up watching the Giants on Sunday with my father, and going to the games with him and my sisters. My father and grandfather are always associated with the Giants to me, it was part of our bond.
My son, even though he plays Pop warner football, hasn't always enjoyed watching football on TV. I've taken him to a few Giants preseason games, but he's mostly into walking around the stadium and checking out the scene, than the game itself.
However, starting with the second half of Divisional Playoff in Dallas, my son seated himself in the livingroom and watched the game intently. When McQuarters intercepted the pass in the endzone to seal the win, the two of us jumped up and down and screemed ourselves horse - it was fantastic! The following week in Green Bay he watched the entire game at my sister's house. In fact, he had talked about the game all week, he actually anticipated the game as much as I did. Again, we celebrated like we did the week before, and went out and bought NFC Champion T-shirts Monday morning. We talked all about the Super Bowl for the following two weeks, and since we live in Connecticut, he was involved in banter with Patriot fans in school for the first time. I enjoyed hearing his stories when I came home from work each evening. After watching the Super Bowl at my other sister's I bought him a SB XLII Champions sweatshirt, which he wore to school every single day for three months, because he was so proud of his team.
I know he's anticipating the 2008 season, and I'm really looking forward to his company for an entire season. I only hope we can take it through to February again - it was a great experience for my family.
If you want it edited or trimmed, I'd be happy to work with you on it. Bob was very important to us here on BBI.
Bob In Annapolis - ( New Window )
Never given a chance
As few even counted in
Despite all they overcame
Most doubted they could win.
But they had each other
To urge onto the game
Stomping into history
Will never be the same.
The Bucs were gonna take them
They didn’t stand a chance
Was a foregone conclusion
Not invited to the dance.
Then onto the Cowboys
Many picked to take it all
The Giants never mentioned
Till the mighty took a fall.
As the clock ticked zero
Even less to fear
As got after Romo
Made T.O. shed a tear.
Walking on the frozen tundra
Eli outplayed the wily vet
Emotions picking Favre
As many took that bet.
Now they had arrived
Surely here would be respect
But if the Pats believed
Was sure hard to detect.
So the defense erupted
And knocked Brady apart
This game was won by trenches
Big Blue sure showed their heart.
As the mighty D-line roared
Pierce, Osi, Strahan and Tuck
Whole unit made it clear
Nothing to do with luck.
-2-
Then the miracle play
There’s Eli pulling free
The “Catch” upon the head
Hell, that was Tyree!
Each Giant did us proud
Ending the “perfect season”
A final miraculous win
Beyond all rhyme and reason.
Still feels like a dream
But realizing now it’s true
Giants are Super Bowl Champs
So, here’s to our BIG BLUE!!!
To The G-Men
Tim H.
2/14/08
Most people know the date Feb. 3, 2008, it was a Sunday and to be more specific it was Super Bowl Sunday. It was the conclusion of one of the most improbable playoff runs ever and the pinnacle of an underdog team playing against all odds. Some would say it was both the greatest Super Bowl ever and the biggest upset as well.
It was a day of miracles and dreams come true. The end of perfection, but the beginning of so much more! That day was so much more for me personally though! My Dad’s 68th birthday was the following day and Mom had flown me to Hilton head to be there for both events. There was definitely some magic in the air, as the night before I stayed up late chatting with my sister and restoration had begun.
During the game, my Mom was the perfect host and retreated to her sanctuary when the real yelling began. I can’t even begin to describe the feelings that came over me while sharing this momentous occasion with my Dad, sister and her sons.
You see, I am a recovering addict/alcoholic and my selfishness and actions had kept me away from too many such gatherings. To be a part of this one was fantastic and as I watched my Dad whooping it up, tears of joy often filled my eyes. There was so much more going on here than just a game and I knew it.
Some would say that destiny was fulfilled on that field that day; I think it was also filled in that living room as well. God had brought me back here against incredible odds! Here was restoration at its finest. I could think of nowhere else on earth I’d rather be at that moment. My life had been filled with bad choices and less than stellar moments. Yet here was as close to perfection as I might ever get. Here we were, me and my Dad hugging, yelling and celebrating in each other’s arms. The past was where it belonged, in the past. I had no clue what the future might bring, but I knew here and now I was enjoying these precious moments. Even now I can replay it in my mind and smile and tear up.
Some may say that Eli breaking free was a miracle, and that Tyree catching it on his head was spectacular. I say, without hesitation or doubt that the greatest miracle of that day was my being in that living room celebrating and whooping it up with my family. One of my sister’s sons was really upset that the Pats lost and took it hard. He lifted his head at one point and whispered, “The perfect season is over.” Perfection is something I used to strive for, until I realized there is only one who can attain that and I chose to give my life to him and it has made all the difference!
My sister’s other son said he’d never seen two people so excited in his life, as he watched Me and my DAD jump around like little children. I think he feared that one of us might have a heart attack. But, it was just two grown men, Giant fans, acting like children and abandoning all restraints. It was pure joy and jubilation and it helped that the Giants also won.
So, yes there were miracles that day that I will never ever forget, however, my biggest miracle happened in a living room in S. Carolina and not on a 100 yard field!!!
God Bless Tim H. 2/20/08
Fast forward to early February, and here we are back at school, in Scranton, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Eagle territory. My friend and I watched the game with a group of people, but we were the only Giants fans. That fade pass stayed in the air forever. When Plaxico Burress caught the game winning touchdown pass, two 21 year old men erupted in joy. 35 seconds later, we were hugging and crying.
It seems kind of silly for a 21 year old such as myself to cry over a football game. In the recent years, I have developed an emotional attachment to the New York Football Giants. For 3 years I had heard it all about Eli Manning. I had friends and family that were Cowboys fans, Eagles fans, Redskins fans, and Steelers fans. Every Monday afternoon I was left defending the guy who has been more dissected than a frog in high school biology lab. Every pass and every emotion was criticized; but I never once jumped off his bandwagon and knew he was the future of this franchise. The tears were even stronger that night when they zoomed in on him after the game. He was by himself for a moment, and had that sigh of relief look on his face. He knew he shut the critics ups. That is one emotion that will never be criticized and one moment I will remember for the reset of my life.
This year, in December it became clear that my daughter in London was becoming serious about a young man. I needed to meet him, and soon. My wife and I had a long weekend during the first weekend in February. My wife made the necessary reservations, and then I double-clutched. Super Bowl weekend.
"No problem", I said. "The Giants won't be playing."
Watched the Patriots game and thought that we could compete, but Brady was too good. Not enough pressure.
Tampa Bay. Eli made 'em pay for selling out to stop the run. Great game.
Dallas. Early touchdown! Two endless Cowboy drives. Smith with a great catch. Touchdown! OMG, what's going on in the fourth quarter. Could the Giants make the big stop? Eli, how could you miss him? WTF, first down on illegal contact there? The Cowboys get all the breaks! Illegal grounding! Oh man, Crayton slowed down! :-) And McQuarters intercepted the pass!!! (Why didn't he just knock it down?)
On to Green Bay. Cold. How can Eli and Plax be so dominant in the cold? Favre is self-destructing. Great interception! But fumble it back? OMG, the Giants are self-destructing. The Giants can move the ball. Great drive. OMG, he missed it. McQ, WTF? That's twice! Quit trying for the big play by running laterally and exposing the ball! Overtime! And Favre's got the ball and a chance to add to the legend! Interception! Tynes again? From 47? The ball's got to be a brick. It's good! OMG, we're going to the Super Bowl!
And I'm going to London! To meet a guy. And the game will start at what, 11 something? Maybe I can find a pub, but don't they shut down, stop serving, relatively early?
Arrival in London. The game's on the telly, if my hotel has the right channels. It does! International feed, with different announcers, and no commercials. Break to studio hosts for conversation every time the American game is paused for advertisements. Nice change. And slowly the commentary changes from a coronation of the Patriots to a begrudging respect for the Giants.
Pass to Boss! Yes! Great pass to Tyree for a touchdown! OMG, we're ahead! But...there's still plenty of time.
Of course Brady brings them down the field. Moss starts running in-cuts and is open. Touchdown Patriots. Inevitable. But the Giants put up a good fight.
And there's over two minutes left! A good return and we can do this! Eli's always good in the clutch.
Hixon tackled inside the 20. Well, there's still plenty of time.
Toomer a yard short. Jacobs, first down!
Manning sacked! No, he's not! What kind of prayer is that? Tyree's got it. It didn't touch the ground! Clearly a catch! Wow!
Great play by Smith. Man, has he been clutch or what?
Blitz! Great block by Jacobs! OMG, he's open! Don't drop it! Get your feet in! He did it! We did it! OMG, we might win this thing!
But Brady's got time! And the telly turns off, all by itself. I get it on again! Third and whatever! Brady rolls right, and the telly again turns off of it's own accord. WTF! I get it going again. Fourth down! Incomplete! Belichick congratulates Coughlin and walks off the field. A kneel down. Yes! But remember The Fumble! Surely they can handle the snap... Eli's got it. The game's over!
Gotta be quiet. It's four in the morning! OMG, The GIANTS WON THE SUPER BOWL. And the Patriots lost. Damn, have to hear those Dolphins forever. Oh well. THE GIANTS WON!
And two weeks later, my daughter broke up with him!
Arthur
After the Tyree catch, our dad called, and we were handing off the phone, talking to him and our mom, all wowing over the catch and crossing our fingers for the plays to come.
We're watching the TV broadcast, while Dad's listening to WFAN with the TV on mute. WFAN is a few seconds ahead of the TV broadcast, so I'm being amazed at Steve Smith's awareness as the Giants set up for the next play.
As I'm watching the Giants line up, I hear Dad shout, "The Giants win the Superbowl!" A moment later, my sister and I are also on our feet, cheering the touchdown. We were still pretty nervous about the time left on the clock, but we were back on our feet for Alford's sack, the perfect exclamation point for the season.
After the game, I vaguely remember hearing my mom's "Wow," and handing the phone off again, but I can still hear my dad's voice, and that's always the first thing I think about when I remember that night.
"The Giants win the Superbowl!"
Then, in 2005 we draft the younger brother of Peyton Manning. And for the next few years I see this kid lead us from behind, lead late 2nd half or 2 minute drives that bring us a win. Denver comes to mind. Philly week 2 in 2006. Just some great poise and clutch. But he always was dogged by his demeanour, some inconsistency, etc.
Now let me fast forward to Super Bowl XLII. That Saturday night as the clock struck midnight and it became Super Bowl Sunday, I put my phone to silent. I cut off all outside contact untill the game was over. I was either going to deal with jeering and being made fun of, or I was finally going to rub it in the faces of all the fake Dallas, New England, Indy, Miami, and Buffalo fairweather fans that always ragged on me for supporting the Giants, especially Eli.
Everything was going much better than even I expected. The Giants were in the game, and they were in the game late. Unbelievably even though Eli hadn't played spectacular like he did in Green Bay, he had still chucked a decent ball all game, save a mistake by Steve Smith on an interception, we might have been up more than just 10-7 late in the 4th quarter. I was still nervous, I know Tom Brady. I know what he can do. And I knew sooner or later he was going to show why he is Tom Brady.
Then it happened.
They drive down the field, take a 14-10 lead and leave only 2:42 left with their intimidating defense and their legendary coach left to do what they do best. Shut us down, and finish the game. A picture I will never forget in my mind is the dropping of my younger brother's - 15 and bleeds football and the Giants - head after Moss was wide open on the slant in the right side of the end zone. We were both just completely deflated. It was over. There was nothing left in us. Brady did was he was supposed to do. There was no way we could answer. Well... at least we came close, put up a fight. Those were the thoughts going through my head while I attempted to reason and stay positive in a seemingly inevitably disappointing time.
Then, in 2005 we draft the younger brother of Peyton Manning. And for the next few years I see this kid lead us from behind, lead late 2nd half or 2 minute drives that bring us a win. Denver comes to mind. Philly week 2 in 2006. Just some great poise and clutch. But he always was dogged by his demeanour, some inconsistency, etc.
Now let me fast forward to Super Bowl XLII. That Saturday night as the clock struck midnight and it became Super Bowl Sunday, I put my phone to silent. I cut off all outside contact untill the game was over. I was either going to deal with jeering and being made fun of, or I was finally going to rub it in the faces of all the fake Dallas, New England, Indy, Miami, and Buffalo fairweather fans that always ragged on me for supporting the Giants, especially Eli.
Everything was going much better than even I expected. The Giants were in the game, and they were in the game late. Unbelievably even though Eli hadn't played spectacular like he did in Green Bay, he had still chucked a decent ball all game, save a mistake by Steve Smith on an interception, we might have been up more than just 10-7 late in the 4th quarter. I was still nervous, I know Tom Brady. I know what he can do. And I knew sooner or later he was going to show why he is Tom Brady.
Then it happened.
They drive down the field, take a 14-10 lead and leave only 2:42 left with their intimidating defense and their legendary coach left to do what they do best. Shut us down, and finish the game. A picture I will never forget in my mind is the dropping of my younger brother's - 15 and bleeds football and the Giants - head after Moss was wide open on the slant in the right side of the end zone. We were both just completely deflated. It was over. There was nothing left in us. Brady did was he was supposed to do. There was no way we could answer. Well... at least we came close, put up a fight. Those were the thoughts going through my head while I attempted to reason and stay positive in a seemingly inevitably disappointing time.
Then, in 2004 through a trade we draft the younger brother of Peyton Manning. And for the next few years I see this kid lead us from behind, lead late 2nd half or 2 minute drives that bring us a win. Denver comes to mind. Philly week 2 in 2006. Just some great poise and clutch. But he always was dogged by his demeanour, some inconsistency, etc.
Now let me fast forward to Super Bowl XLII. That Saturday night as the clock struck midnight and it became Super Bowl Sunday, I put my phone to silent. I cut off all outside contact untill the game was over. I was not going to deal with jeering and being made fun of. And I would wait to see if I was finally going to rub it in the faces of all the fake Dallas, New England, Indy, Miami, and Buffalo fairweather fans that always ragged on me for supporting the Giants, especially Eli.
Everything was going much better than even I expected. The Giants were in the game, and they were in the game late. Unbelievably even though Eli hadn't played spectacular like he did in Green Bay, he had still chucked a decent ball all game. Save a mistake by Steve Smith on an interception, we might have been up more than just 10-7 late in the 4th quarter. I was still nervous, I know Tom Brady. I know what he can do. And I knew sooner or later he was going to show why he is Tom Brady.
Then it happened.
They drive down the field, take a 14-10 lead and leave only 2:42 left with their intimidating defense and their legendary coach left to do what they do best. Shut us down and finish the game. An image I will never forget in my mind is the dropping of my younger brother Matt's - 15 and bleeds football and the Giants - head after Moss was wide open on the slant in the right side of the end zone. We were both just completely deflated. It was over. There was nothing left in us. Brady did was he was supposed to do. There was no way we could answer. Well... at least we came close, put up a fight. Those were the thoughts going through my head while I attempted to reason and stay positive in a seemingly inevitably disappointing time.
"Don't worry Matty, Eli will bring us back.." Were the words of my Dad. I'm not sure if he was trying to comfort us, bring our spirits up, or if he truly believed it. My Dad is 53 and has been a Giant fan all his life. So, as many of us know, he's definitely not an optimist. But I don't know what it was about what he said, but I believed it...
..."Eli Manning... Stays on his feet... Airs it out down the field..It is, caught by Tyree!" Those words coming out of Joe Buck's mouth were almost as sweet as hearing Troy Aikman, a former Cowboy, say "Oh my God.." in shock as Eli and Tyree pulled off the greatest play I've ever seen in a Super Bowl. But that play aside, the up and down rollercoaster of that drive was just incredible. We move the ball, hit 3rd and long and Eli keeps finding a receiver. Then the near-interception by Samuel. That could have been it. But it wasn't. 3rd and 11. Eli hits Smith on the right sideline for a first down. Jesus Christ we have the ball within striking distance, maybe one more pass short to get in the red-zone and we have at least 3 more shots to win this game. This is unbelievable! And then..
"Manning, lobs it, Burress! Alone! TOUCHDOWN NEW YORK!!"
Sweetest words I have ever heard. All my Dad could keep saying was "THE LEGEND! LEGEND! IT BEGINS! THE LEGEND BEGINS!" There's just one image I will always have in my head from that moment. Eli has his arms half raised in the air, mouth open, just yelling in happiness and victory. And then FOX cut to Peyton in the press box, and he had the exact same expression on him. Same face, same mouth open and yelling. That image of Eli in all his glory will stick with me forever. This game was vindication for all Giants fans, for guys like Strahan, for Eli, for Plaxico, for Coughlin, for all of us. They like all of us Giants fans are fighters. I could barely sit still and was pacing with my jaw dropped saying "oh my God.. oh my God... oh my God.." fighting away tears of joy. This wasn't supposed to happen? Not the Giants? Especially not against THE New England Patriots and THE Tom Brady and THE Bill Belichick. But we did it. We did it. Greatest upset in NFL history. Greatest drive in NFL history. Greatest Play in NFL history. Greatest Super Bowl in NFL history. That day, that evening, that game, that drive, that moment. That will be with me forever. Thank you Giants. Thank you.
Friends on BBI:
Your posts have been great. Keep 'em coming. If you'd like us to consider your posts for use in the book (and I bet that's all of you who posted), we'll need a name and phone number and a hometown sent to me at arthurpincus@yahoo.com. Don't put it in a post, send it in an email. We will use your BBI handle but for the book we'd also need your name. And, of course, we want to make sure that all the posts we use are the real thing....as I'm sure they are.
For production reasons, we will need to wrap it up pretty much by Thursday July 17.
Many thanks.
Arthur Pincus
I think that there is a consensus among Giants fans that we (much more so than the Patriots fans) experienced what felt like the "Perfect Season" of professional football. For me, nothing in the realm of sports will ever match the feelings that I felt at the end of the Giants' championship run and victory in Super Bowl XLII . . . nothing.
Was it David Tyrees hand alone that kept the ball from falling off the helmet to the ground or was Bob's hand there holding it in place to help secure the victory?
March into Dallas and beat Tony Romo, TO and "America's Team"? Fat chance.
Well will ya look at that...
That was one hell of a game, but now we gotta beat Brett Favre on the (very) frozen tundra? At least we'll put up a good fight.
Oh my God...we're going to the Super Bowl! Whoa...don't get too excited now. We remember what happened last time the boys in blue got to the big dance.
There I was, huddled around the TV with 10 of my buddies, cramped as hell in a dorm room never meant to house as many people as it was. Gnawed chicken wings and crushed chips littered the floor and tables. We were having a grand old time, until....
Tom Brady did what Tom Brady does, and put his team up by 4 with just over two minutes left. The life was sucked out of the room. Heads were hanging, profanity was spewed, and hearts were broken. I was trying desperatly to find some comfort in this very dark moment. "We put up a good fight"...we sure did...but that wasn't enough to console me over the fact that this magical season came crashing to earth.
Then...came the final drive, and with it "the Catch". I remember pulling a "Tom Cruise on Oprah" esque move, pumping my fist wildly in the air and whooping like a mad man. I stayed up there, standing on the couch and just kept repeating "We can't lose. Not after that play. We can't." And I was right.
I spent the rest of the night watching sports highlights shows, watching the same images over and over and over again, and yet they never got old. They still haven't.
To the entire New York Giants organization I just wanted to say....
Thank You
2 young children.
During the SB, they are sleeping and so I have the lights off.. and am quietly listening to the game on a portable radio and washing the dishes ....during our first TD.....YES....a nice quiet, peacful, evening....together...that means alot more than the game...but yes it was nice.
As the father of (then) two and a half year old triplets, I have prided myself on bringing them up - properly - as staunch Giants fans. You might surmise that with said triplets, my wife and I rarely get a night out; however, the evening of the playoff game (which we had just won) was one of those nights. Our sitter is a good friend who was one of the children's terrific nurses in the NICU unit at the hospital where the kids were born and spent considerable time; our friend, Kristin, as much as we love her, has one flaw: she happens to be a rabid Skins fan.
That said, on the occasions she'd watched our kids before, we knew that the children were in the best hands of all: a NICU nurse...what more could we ask for as parents? Previously, we had NEVER received a call on our cell phones while we were out and the kids were in Kristin's care.
Well, after the Giants' win, we headed out to dinner, and the Skins happened to kick off versus the 'Hawks. About 15 minutes out of our driveway, the phone rang...it was our home phone number...my wife and I exchanged concerned looks. I picked up the phone, and hurredly asked Kristin what was wrong...
I was greeted by laughter as Kristin sheepishly admitted that she got caught trying to do something underhanded to my kids. You see, she offered that she was being "a jerk" (her words) and tried to teach my kids to say "Go Skins". She was laughing so hard because she was amazed that I'd trained the kids so well...apparently, my children got a look of disgust on their collective faces when asked to utter that phrase, and in unison answered her, "NO Kristin...GO GIANTS!".
Suffice it to say, it was a most enjoyable evening.
By the time the Giants went to Tampa Bay I had my new good luck charm by my side and in his Giants outfit. He was by my side and in his lucky Giants outfit for every playoff game and the Super Bowl. The Giants obviously did not lose a game with him in it.
I posted this picture on a thread calling Joey the Giants new good luck charm minutes before the Tampa game and everyone was so cool. One poster even reminisced about when his son was born and how his boy was by his side through the Giants '90 Super Bowl run. I remember saying "God I would love to be that lucky" Well, turns out I was.
I have been meaning to post the conclusion of the story and what became of the "lucky outfit". I had a frame made and it now hangs in my Giants shrine in my bar room so when Joey gets older I can tell him how he may have had a little something to do with the Giants winning every game after he was born back in 2008.
My friend throws a great party, and owns a widescreen "home theatre," so the event was well-peopled. I and my family were the only true Giants fans there. There were no Patriots fans. (My friend the host and the majority of the people in attendance were Bronco fans.) Good food and liquid refreshment were being consumed, and a good time was being had by all.
At one point early in the game, we had the lead. The subject of Shockey came up, and I said something disparaging about him, followed by the comment "...but he ain't even playing today anyway." My six-year-old sitting next to me, whose favorite football player in the world is Jeremy Shockey, got all quiet.
The next thing I know, the little guy took off his Shockey jersey. I was a little bit shocked, and asked him why he did that. He wouldn't say. He was very distraught.
Well, the Patriots scored, and all of a sudden we weren't in the lead any more. I got a little antsy, and the mood in the whole room changed. Some of the other adults started to ask me why Ian took off his jersey. Comments about the jersey bringing good luck started to be heard. I asked my son again why he took it off, but he was too shy and upset to answer.
Finally, he tugged on my shirt, and whispered in my ear. "I took the shirt off because Jeremy Shockey isn't playing today."
"Oh," I said. "But the only reason he isn't playing, is because he got injured. He played really hard for the team, and broke his leg. There's no reason to be ashamed of that. He hurt himself really bad and that's why he's not playing today. I'm sorry I said that mean thing about him."
This made him feel a little bit better, but he was too shy to put the jersey back on. Halftime ensued.
As the second half started, he made a triumphal appearance -- with the Shockey jersey on. A big cheer went up. "Now you've got your lucky jersey back on. The Giants are sure to win!"
There's no better way to bring luck to a jersey, than to have your underdog team take a Super Bowl lead with it on, only to lose that lead with it off, then take it back again (twice) with it back on!
--
The Patriots took the lead with two minutes and twenty-something seconds remaining in the game. I looked at the clock, and saw that we had 2 timeouts left. I wasn't concerned at all. They had scored too soon. They were celebrating too early. I kept all this to myself, but inside, I hardly batted an eye.
Everyone around me was feeling sorry for me. Since there were no Patriots fans around, and since I am such a HUGE Giants fan, and because of the way the Giants played and how arrogant the Patriots were, (and because everyone loves an underdog) everybody in the room was rooting for the Giants at that point. I started to hear people trying to comfort me about the potential loss ensuing. I thanked them for their sympathies, but shrugged them off as unnecessary. At one point (fourth and one) I started to harbor thoughts that my friends may be right, and my whole world started to crumble before me. But we survived that scare, and all was right in the universe again.
I turned to my friend, and said "I feel good. In fact, I feel great. 1:27 left with two timeouts? We've got this in the bag." My friend gave me a look as if I had just told him that aliens had landed in his backyard.
After the game, he turned to me and said "good call with 1:27 to go. No way did I think you guys would pull it out at that point. Great win!"
And he was right. For all time.
My family's love is one that is most certainly elevated by the Giants. This past year I spent nearly every game with a member of my family and it will always be a season that I will cherish forever.
Not only because of the ties between my family and Giants lore(3 generations), but also because of the new memories that were created.
I still recall the 86 and 90 Super Bowls as a child and early teen. Those were outstanding times but I was still too young to understand what they really meant.
Nothing beat my two brothers, my father and I celebrating that win in Super Bowl 42. It was an easy 10 minutes of bumping chests, screaming, and months of enthusiasm all in one shot.
My Grandfather grew up in the Wellington Mara days and his class and dignity reflects that same generation. This alone tells me why the Giants tradition has been passed down through many generations for many families.
The Giants are raw red blood in my family and to celebrate the win of a team that represents so much to us will be a memory forever held.
There were many highlights to this season but no highlight was greater than when The Giants won the Super Bowl and realizing that this moment, these people, will stay with me forever. To this day it is vivid and I know it will stay that way for many years to come.
-John D.
That first weekend at training camp was awsome. My cousin's and son were granted an exclusive interview with Brandon Jacobs, courtesy of Brandon Jacobs. Brandon is going back to the locker room and my son like everyone else wants an autograph. I am screaming to get him to sign my son's football. I tell him we came a long way to attend camp. He asks where we came from and I say Delaware. Brandon replies "oh, that's not that far" and continues to the locker. I thought for sure he was going to hook my son up. Anyway, after practice we took our time leaving the capmus. As we were walking back to the hotel Brandon stops his truck and calls us over. This is amazing! We run up to the SUV and the next few minutes were priceless.I informed him that I could'nt care less about an autograph I just want to spew words of enthusiasm, intensity, and motivation into the players ears. Brandon appreciated my philosophy. In a nutshell Brandon informed us that he is going to break all of the NY GIANTS rushing records and I hope he does. Baring injury he just may.Oh yeah he signed my son's football. It was great holding that autographed football during crunch-time in the Superbowl, so I guess my son's autograph desire isn't that bad. Training camp 2007 what an awsome time. NY Giants Super Bowl Champions, whoda thunkit.
-A. Sewell (Brinx)
This season, following get togethers for training camp, games, and the playoffs, the gang gathered at The Elephant and Castle bar and restaurant in downtown DC to celebrate the Superbowl. Thirty or so die hard BBI'ers, including Eric from BBI, were in attendance. Honestly, I cannot remember a more thrilling and exciting gathering to celebrate an event. Most everyone had a story to tell about the Superbowl party/event that they attended or hosted. The stories never grew old. The beer never ran out. The cigars were lit in celebration. "The Catch" was re-enacted several times. All the while, this reverie continued while the DC faitfull came and went for dinner. The staff had a blast indulging us, though many were fans of the Redskins. Seeimingly like everywhere else, they were just happy to see New England lose.
Except one fellow. The best line of the night was muttered by a Redskins fan sitting with his date at a nearby table trying to enjoy his dinner:
"Of all nights...we have to pick THIS one to have dinner here. This is torture"
It was a night that will never be forgotten for old and young alike.
Fast forward 2 weeks and I find myself at University of Phoenix Stadium for Super Bowl XLII. I arrived at the stadium 6 hours early and watched with the rest of America for the first 57 minutes as the Giants stood “toe to toe” with what many had called the best football team of all-time. However, we were still down by 4 points. Everyone knows what happened in the end and I’ll never forget the feeling when Eli’s final pass landed in Plaxico’s arms for the game winning touchdown. Electricity went through University of Phoenix Stadium. All of us Giants fans exchanged high fives and hugged like we’ve known each other for 20 years even though this was the first, greatest and only game that we would ever watch together. As the stadium scoreboard clock showed :00, I had tears in my eyes. Tears of happiness from seeing the team that I’ve watched every Sunday for the last 30 years win the Super Bowl, but also tears of sadness, since my father who introduced me to NY Giants football over 30 years ago was not around to witness the greatest Super Bowl ever played. My father had unfortunately succumbed to ALS disease. At his funeral, I talked about his love for his family and for the NY Giants. I even buried my dad with a picture of Eli Manning in his pocket. Unfortunately he wasn’t with me at the game to see it live, but I know he watched from above and enjoyed it with all the rest of us. As I arrive home from the game that night, my 5 year old says “Daddy, give me a high five, we won the Super Bowl. When can we do that again”?
Thank you, NY Giants for being part of my life and my family!!!!
The night of the Green Bay game we were having a family gathering at an elderly cousin’s house since she is not very mobile. I planned to excuse myself periodically from the gathering and check on the score, but it turns out she has only one TV and it’s in the living room. It would be impolite to keep turning the TV on and off, and not watching the game is not an option, so I left it on, with a low volume. Seems like the rest of the family also wanted to watch the game, at least for me knowing what a big fan I am.
We all moaned and groaned through the missed Tynes field goals as I took each miss as a personal insult. Finally I couldn’t take it any longer and decided the Giants needed a change of luck. I had to sacrifice myself and my misery and leave for the overtime. Something just had to be done to change things. I hadn’t gotten more than a mile away when Favre was intercepted, “Tynes kicked the Giants to the Super Bowl,” and my cousins and family heard me screaming from a mile down the road. Yes, yes, yessssssssssssssssssssss...........and all because I left my cousin’s house.
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In September a very close young friend and fellow dedicated Giants fan called to say that he and his fiancee (both big Giants fans) were thinking of having their wedding on February 3 which was Super Bowl weekend. If the Giants were in the Super Bowl, would I still come? Never expecting that to be possible, I said “Of course.”
Fast forward to February 1 and I am driving to Connecticut bedecked in Giant paraphernalia. Hat, socks, LT jersey etc... to my wife’s consternation. Show up at the hotel and all Keith and Claudine’s friends are also Giants fans or pretending to be so, or at least are rooting against New England.
The wedding is on Saturday night and I give the post-wedding blessing over bread and wine. I throw in a Go Giants! to general acclaim. Hey, there was a religious fervor to the Giants’ fans in the hall that night so it seemed appropriate.
Left early the next day to drive home and watch the game. When Brady passes for the go ahead touchdown I say “Great, there are still over 2-1/2 minutes to win the game.” Eli lobs it. Burress alone. Touchdown New York and I get a call. Not from Keith but from Mike, another wedding attendee. He says “Congratulations” to which I reply “Can’t talk now, still 40 seconds left.”
My heart palpitating, I watch the bombs Brady tosses, thankful for Webster getting his hand on the one throw. Giants win! and seconds later Keith and Claudine are excitedly on the phone. Their wedding brought luck to the team. Wonder what they will do for a follow-up next year?
Well... no... It seemed that the team could never build offensive momentum. Every great play was followed by a breakdown or penalty. And on the other side of the field Romo was putting on a clinic, not just in quick reads, but freelancing and smart game decisions. I was steaming about an early "over the line of scrimmage" TD toss and it appeared that even the refs were giving this kid the Montana treatment while Eli was called for borderline delay penalties. When Bradshaw's long kick-off return was erased because of a phantom holding call I saw red (those stupid jerseys) for the rest of the game.
When a stadium bound fan begins to feel that level of anger things get perceived through a prism. And my focal point was Eli. It didn't matter that Sam Madison was getting old in front of my eyes, or that David Deal couldn't hold the corner with a Howitzer or that our vaulted defensive line was playing patty cake while Tony Romo blew air kisses to Jessica... it was Eli's fault. When T.O. caught his final 50 yd TD pass and then I have to watch Eli get called for another delay penalty... during a no huddle drill with less that three minutes left! I had finally lost patience with our QB of the future!
The ride home from the stadium was a rant of epic proportions where the realists in the car spoke of the offensive lines problems and our problems in both trenches... but I was loaded for bear with only one target. My Coup De Grace on the game was the infamous proclamation of "Our team gives away the store to get the next great QB and we end up with Dave Brown while the Cowboys pull some late round schmo off the bench and they end up with Roger Staubach!" That statement is already haunting me and my tailgate brothers will never let me forget the day I gave up on a Super Bowl MVP. But I can handle it.... I was a Brunner man!
My mom went into the hospital for heart surgery on January 10 of 2008. Things did not go well and she would remain in the ICU throughout the playoffs. As Doctors made many efforts to save her, Giants games were my only distraction. She passed away on January 29th and her funeral was the day before the Superbowl.
When the game started I was just glad to have a distraction from my grief. As the game went on and Giants fought hard I had many people tell me that it was meant to be. When the final pass fell incomplete I think I was in shock more then anything as my phone got call after call and text after text telling me congratulations (which suprised me after the Giants had beat the Packers just two weeks earlier) and suggesting that Corey Webster had a little help from above to break up that last pass to Moss. While I know that's not true the thought did bring some comfort to me and an even bigger smile to my face.
The timing of the unbelieveable run made by my favorite team in all of sports couldn't have come at a better time for me as it helped me get through the most difficult time in my life.
In Buffalo battling the snow.
In tampa battling the heat.
In Dallas battling the past.
In Green Bay battling the cold.
In the desert...battling history.
I haven't missed a game, pre-season, regular season or post season since 1962. I once agreed to go out with friends on a Saturday night provided I could listen to the pre-season game on my transistor radio (it wasn't televised).
With that as background, I received a call asking me to do a weekend meeting of a large group of physicians in Dallas (I live in Connecticut) on Super Bowl weekend. I wasn't fond of the prospect of missing the Super Bowl, but it was needed money and this was the week following the second game of the season. The Giants were 0-2 and looking terrible while doing it. The defense had given up 80 points in the 2 games, which was probably a record of some sort. I figured, what the heck, the Giants weren't going to the Super Bowl, so why not take the job.
Eli has had his ups and his downs as a Giant, but the ups stand out more in my mind; The comback drive vs. Denver, the comeback vs the Eagles in 2006 and strong performance in Dallas on Monday Night Football in 2006.
So when he had his bad performances vs. the Vikings and Redskins last year, I still knew he had what it took to be a championship quarterback in the NFL.
I know players want to win and the QB for the most part is what drives that outcome. While the SB win was the most satisfying part of last season, the hug Michael Strahan gave Eli after the GB game was the most special moment. It was a hug from one warrior to another. Eli doesn't look like the traditional warrior, but anyone who can QB a victory over Brett Favre and the Packers in that stadium during those conditions transcends what a warrior is expected to look like and act like. That hug spoke volumes as to what was going through Michael's mind and all Giants fan's minds.
Similiar to the US Hockey team needing to beat Sweden for the Gold Medal after upsetting the USSR, I felt that the SB would be a piece of cake for a QB and team that withstood the most spirit-breaking conditions in Green Bay.
When Eli's pass nestled into the arms of Plaxico Burress, I knew I had just witnessed the most special season in NFL history; not because the Giants weren't expected to win a SB, but because it demonstrated that if you worked hard, overcome uncomfortable conditions and believe in yourselves, you can do anything.
I have a picture of that hug on my wall at home and at work. That hug demonstrates to me each day that anything is possible.
With that as background, I received a call asking me to do a weekend meeting of a large group of physicians in Dallas (I live in Connecticut) on Super Bowl weekend. I wasn't fond of the prospect of missing the Super Bowl, but it was needed money and this was the week following the second game of the season. The Giants were 0-2 and looking terrible while doing it. The defense had given up 80 points in the 2 games, which was probably a record of some sort. I figured, what the heck, the Giants weren't going to the Super Bowl, why not take the job?
As the season progressed and the Giants started winning, I began to suspect that I had made a disastrous choice. Then came the Minnesota game. And though that was tough for a Giants fan, the other side of the coin was that at least I wouldn't be kicking myself for arranging to miss the Super Bowl. That ambivalence was short lived as the team embarked on one of the most remarkable playoff runs I could imagine.
I began to scramble to see if they could find a substitute for the Dallas meeting, but no luck. I was stuck and the unthinkable was going to happen. The guy who never missed so much as a pre-season game was about to miss the Giants in the Super Bowl! There was no way out.
My only option was to record the game on my new DVR. I had gotten the DVR only a few weeks earlier. It was a wonderful invention that I was still learning to use, and I was about to put it to the test in a critical way. Traveling home Super Bowl Sunday evening, I was careful to avoid anything that might reveal information about the game, airport TV's etc. When I arrived in Hartford and went to the valet parking to pick up my car, as I was standing in line, the television suspended from the ceiling was showing a discussion of the game! The other people in line must have thought I was strange as I began humming loudly while diverting my eyes and turning to scan every other part of the lobby.
Of course I made the 30 minute drive home with the radio off and walked in the door at about 11:45pm. My wife and daughter were still up and waiting for me. As promised, they had not watched the game so that we could all see it together as if it were just happening. Often over the weekend, the thought had crept into my mind that perhaps I didn't set up the DVR correctly, or that it would somehow malfunction ...now the tension grew as I attempted to get it to play.
It worked! We watched into the wee hours of Monday morning as the Giants pulled out arguably the most exciting Super Bowl victory ever by any team. We went crazy, jumping up and down screaming at the Eli to Tyree magic and finally the touchdown! We sat tensely through the Pats final possession , and after it was over, my wife and daughter went upstairs to bed. I stayed up watching all the post game stuff savoring the celebration, the interviews and comments until the DVR recording ran out. Wonderful invention.
Avidly followed Big Blue throughout the years by any means possible while moving around the world during my career. Even cancelled a flight home from a cruise (game was on during flight)and took a room in a Miami fleabag so I could watch the Bills SB game. Wife is a good sport.
Blessed with two sons. One is a Redskin fan and although I love him unconditionally, may there be mercy for his soul. The second son is as avid a Giants fan as his dad, however he has the most annoying habit of being a pessimist and blaming me when things go wrong. Eli is "your quarterback" if he throws a pick, he's "my quarterback" to him if it's a TD. No matter, as with many other fans, the Giants are a major bonding agent for our very strong relationship, spread across the many miles and years.
For this SB, I traveled to his home in Dallas to view it together. My equally good sport daughter-in-law, knowing our passion for the team, need for total concentration and penchant for occasional indelicate language, scheduled other activities for my two beautiful grand-daughters. In fear for her TV and remote, she purchased and placed a bucket of nurf-balls at each chair and decorated the room with Giant gear.
It was such a great performance by the Giants, there was only one nerf utilized. I launched it at my son's head when he started to go negative late in the game. He righted himself, and we went on to savor an incredulous and joyful celebration that lasted well into the night.
I have many things to be thankful for and one of them is the great comfort in knowing that for the rest of his life, my son will remember fondly the experiences he shared with his dad as a Giant's fan and in watching this SB in particular. Hopefully we will experience more SB's together, but this one will be hard to top.
my cousin's boyfriend yelling at the TV, cursing and wringing his hands. Of course he was
watching the Giants. He kept yelling at Phil Simms, which I heard as "Bill" at first, but once
I started asking questions, he set me straight on the name. He said that Simms was the Giant's
future but that day he wasn't acting like it. Since I was only 5 at the time I didn't understand
was the hell was going on, but I knew that I was interested in something that made someone that
crazy just from watching it. Once I started showing some interest in the Giants I was taken into
the fold by my father and uncles and cousins who also bled Giants Blue. I was hooked shortly after.
I met and married a girl who was already a lifelong Giants fan, as is her father. My obsession with
the team is a bit of a concern to my family at times. Even though they all share the passion, I
take it to another level. That brings me to the adversity.
During the Superbowl run, I was stationed in Tennessee for Air Force Officer's Training.
I was able to see the Tampa Bay game before I left, but that was the last one. The officer's training
program is much like basic training, which I'd already been through 15 years earlier. This
includes massive restrictions like no TV, no phone calls etc. I knew the Giants were winning because
there were TV's positioned in the Chow Hall, even though we weren't allowed to look at them.
My wife sent me pages and pages of BBI threads that she printed off right after the Dallas and
Green Bay games, along with all play by play printouts from NFL.com (see why I married her?).
We were all confident that we would be able to watch the Superbowl because we were already
3 weeks into the training and restrictions were being lifted. Around Thursday of Superbowl week,
the rumblings started going around that they were going to take the Superbowl away from us.
I was incredulous. They can't take away my Giants Superbowl!! Well on Friday afternoon, we
were informed that because we were just the worst class of Officer Candidates ever to go
through the program, they were taking away the Superbowl. I was devastated to say the least.
So the big day comes and I am a wreck. I go to church in the morning and pray to just give
the Giants a chance and not embarrass themselves. I knew they would put up a good fight but
it never hurts to pray anyway. I can't even call my wife to commiserate about my terrible predicament.
The game starts and I am huddled in my room with a lousy, cheap alarm clock.
Miraculously, I am able to get the WFAN feed all the way in Tennessee. There is probably a
simple explanation for it, but I don't want to know about it. To me it's divine intervention.
I listen to every second of the game trying to imagine what every play looks like. I guess I'm
spoiled by TV, but it was killing me to not see the game. It gets to half time and I have to go
out for a 3-mile run. I have too much nervous energy and knowing the half time show is endless, this
works out perfectly. I return for the second half and the boys are hanging tough. When the fourth
quarter comes, the radio, whose reception was perfect all day, starts fading in and out. It gets
to the point where I am adjusting the tuning dial after every play. My roommate starts getting
impatient with me because we need to clean our room for morning inspection. I say "they can kick
me out of this program for having a dirty room, I am not missing this game". I live and die with
every play in the fourth quarter. When the Tyree play happened, I started running around the room
like a maniac, but I had to get back to the radio and tune it back in. Finally the Burress touchdown
and then the final seconds ticking off and it was over.
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I go into the bathroom and turn on the shower. I cried for about
5 minutes. The last two times I've cried in the past 15 years was when my kids were born. I cried
because the Giants beat all odds and finally erased all the bad memories since 1991. I cried because
I thought about my wife watching the game at my house with her dad, my father and uncles and cousins
watching it together, my friends all at their own parties, all going absolutely insane with joy. I thought
about what a crappy time I was having at my training and all that I needed to over come to get through.
Here were the Giants on the road all playoffs kicking people's teeth in and fulfilling their
destiny. The next day, I was getting screamed at because of something I did wrong, and that's
all I kept thinking was "scream all you want dude, the feeling I have right now can't be taken away".
The Giants won and that's all that mattered. For the rest of my training I had a new resolve.
Doubt was replaced by confidence and all the misery was gone. When I finally got home and was able to see all
the games with my own eyes, it just blew me away. The fury of the defense and the absolute mastery
of the offense by Eli. It was truly a sight to behold.
When I see the videos on YouTube of fans celebrating at the stadium and in their living rooms, I get
choked up like everyone else on BBI. For me it's not because I'm reminded of that same personal experience.
I get choked up because I missed out on that with my family. I live through those people's shaky videos
of them jumping up and down like a bunch of idiots, hugging and throwing each other around the room.
I also have all the stories I've read from other Giants fans on BBI and the ones I got from the Giants fans
in my family that passed down the tradition to me. That win was for all of us, and the best thing is,
the Giants recognize that better than any other team. That's why I'll pass the tradition down to my kids too.
About halfway through the season, I had the feeling that the Giants would be a playoff team. I told coworkers (a Saints fan and a Falcons fan) this, and they thought I was crazy.
Championship Game: I probably wasn't the only one who thought that the Giants had blown the game after the second missed field goal. I had flashbacks to the Seattle game a year ago, when Feeley missed 3 times.
Superbowl: I used to where my Tiki jersey in the playoffs, but they never did very good. This year, I changed it up a little; I wore a Giants t shirt underneath a sweater. Once the Giants won, I took off the sweater, showing the t shirt off.
I had my sister (a Giants fan), and her husband (an Eagles fan), over at my house for the Superbowl. The Eagles fan was quiet for most of the game.
When Brady took the lead, I looked at the clock and saw the time left (just over 2 and a half minutes). I said, " There's still time left for the Giants to score. They left too much time." This was based on watching Eli pull some comeback victories and two minute drills.
After Plax scored what was to be the winning touchdown, I took off the sweater, and jumped around the room. My Eagles fan brother in law says, "The game isn't over yet.", which immediately tempered my enthusiasm. After all, Tom Brady and Moss are hall of fame players. I got nervous at this point, and hoped they could hold on.
After it was over, I called my Dad, who is in New York. I can tell it was exciting over there as it was here. It felt great to hear my 4 year old daughter say, "Giants rule!", and know that it's true this year. The Giants do rule!
In Superbowl XI, 1986, Phil Simms, Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson, Mark Bavaro and other Giant greats led our team out of the darkness of twenty five years of “lousy football” to its first Super Bowl win. At the end of the game I saw in the stands across the Pasadena field a young man holding up a sign that said, “Dad, this one’s for you.”
Those five words sum up what it means to be in the Giants family. A Giants fan is part of a long and hallowed tradition handed down from grandfather to father, to son, to grandchildren. It’s the love and loyalty for a team that’s passed down the generations like a precious heirloom. It’s the kind of spiritual connection created when a sports franchise has its roots deep in the soul and guts of its city. The franchise is part of its psyche, as gritty as its streets, as beautiful as its skyline. Giants fans don’t just announce the birth of a son or daughter, they call it the arrival of a new Giants fan. Dad, this one’s for you.
I suppose the same continuum exists among fans of the original franchises — the Packers, Steelers, Browns, Lions, Bills and Redskins, to name a few. But as economic changes and population shifts damaged some of those cities, I would imagine that critical family links in nurturing their team legacies might have been interrupted and short circuited as well. I don’t know! I just know that New York is still there and our link is as strong as ever. The Mara family has seen to that.
Giants fans carry the genes of those original fans. It’s a characteristic of storied franchises such as ours. The youngest of us seem to feel the aches and disappointments experienced by our fathers and grandfathers even though they may not even have been alive for Alan Ameche, Joe Pisarcik, Flipper Anderson or the coach-who-shall-never-be-named. These moments are the archtypes of our legacy, part of our collective unconscious. It’s why moving such a franchise is so destructive. Not only does it take away a beloved team, it rips out a chunk of the city’s spirit. It mutates the DNA of the the city and its people. Its wound never heals. The pain of the Brooklyn Dodgers stands as testimony to this.
The Colts of Baltimore were such a tradition, a team as hopelessly beloved by its fans as the Giants are of ours. But their owner left in the middle of the night, like rats scurrying to the next feed bin, and the team was gone upon first light of day. Giants fans will be forever grateful that the family Mara, and now Tisch, never thought to inflict this mortal wound upon their team’s fans and city. Thanks in no small part to their decency and sense of loyalty, the Giants tradition will continue uninterrupted.
A part of that tradition was a man we knew as Bob In Annapolis.
Bob In Annapolis
Since 1995, I’ve been a member of a fantastic, privately run Giants website called BigBlueInteractive. Started and maintained through the years by Eric K., BBI has been the source of great friendship and camaraderie among Giant fans throughout the world, a place to connect and stay up to date with our team. I joined with the handle, Montreal Man, which I’ve kept even though I moved back to the States and now live in Durham. Thanks to BBI, I’ve met many Giants fans.
BBI was especially comforting when I found myself that year in Montreal, where I worked until 2003. While there, I saw that the Giants had moved their training camp to Albany, a mere three hour drive from Montreal. With my six year old son, Mario, in tow, I went to camp and met Eric and a number of other posters whom I only knew through their handles — David B., Old Timer, Lunatic Fringe, Bama Bish, Mike in Raleigh, Ben in the Adirondacks, D in Lakeville, Oliver, Slefrak, CathyL, and BBI camp reporter, Marty In Albany. That first year also brought Alaistair in England, Tony in Ninerland and regular, WalterB, from Paris. Yes, they came from that far.
We started a tradition of gathering the second week of each camp and each year more “regulars” joined the group — Larry In Pennsylvania, Atar, CCV & RockyThompson, Gary From the East End and many others. We have grown to twenty to forty (and more) compatriots who congregate to watch our team practice, see the draft picks, worry about injuries, argue about the players, the offense, the defense, the management, the coaches, everything Giants. We joke, kibbitz , eat dinner and drink beer.
Between camps many of us meet at home games to tailgate, watch our Giants and meet new fans like tailgate cooking veterans Mike M and his brother as well as the brothers, fathers, uncles, sisters and girlfriends of everyone mentioned in this piece. There’s that generational tradition again.
Among the original “regulars” and also a tailgater was Bob In Annapolis. As a Giants fan, Bob goes way back, part of that Giants’ tradition that lives on and on. He and his wife Linda were often gracious enough to let me crash at their home when I drove to a game from Durham to the Meadowlands and back. Bob and I sometimes drove to games together form Annapolis. More often we just met at the Meadowlands tailgate.
When we talk about Bob, we say lovable, friendly, witty, easygoing and so many other positive things. But they’re just words. The feelings are what counted and when Bob was with us it felt good. We were happy that he was there. I can’t think of a better thing to say about a person. We were always glad to see him with us.
But this year, in mid-season, Bob died. All of us who knew him were heartbroken and mourned his passing. Ironically, our sadness increased with the joy we felt as the Giants got closer to the Super Bowl. Each win was bittersweet and seemed to compound our sense of loss. Our team’s success was as much poignant as it was jubilant and after each seemingly improbable victory we all thought if only Bob could see this.
Those of us who are romantics believed that Bob was watching and guiding the team from above. True or not, the thought eased somewhat the pain of his absence. With each playoff win, wins that defied all odds, the media, even ourselves, we who knew Bob wanted him to be there watching from on high.
A few BBI’ers did something about it, though. They wanted to be sure Bob made it to the big game and brought some of his ashes to Arizona and sprinkled them on the field at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
You saw the game. It was in the fourth quarter that our defensive heroics took control and Eli engineered two drives for touchdowns, the second drive featuring the extraordinary, miraculous Eli-to-Tyree play that kept the chains moving. As someone who is romantically inclined, is there any doubt as to what unseen force was operating when the quarter began? Not for me. It was Bob.
When the estimable Paulie Walnuts, (the handle of a West Coast BBI’er) learned about the ashes he wrote:
“It made sense now. That fourth quarter was a throwback quarter, one worthy of the Conerly/Huff/Tittle Giants of Bob’s youth and the Simms/LT/Banks/Carson Giants of his later years.
The sprirt of ‘56 and ‘86 seemed to suddenly grip that team. The defense played with a zeal and power we’ve attributed to our teams from another era, as did the offense. On both sides of the ball the Giants played throwback football in that 4th quarter, football we thought was gone for good, but we believe it was Bob in Annapolis, representing all those old time fans who are gone but not forgotten, that made it happen.”
Indeed, Paulie. A throwback quarter, a team reaching back into its history to resurrect a slice of how they played the game, just as we fans reached back into our own history to bring back long gone fathers, dads, sons, wives, uncles, brothers and sisters into the present to join them in savoring the sweetness of victory. This one’s for all of you.
Berrylish2, the handle of the young lady who spread the ashes, with help from HopeJ and other stalwart BBI’ers and Giants fans, Ed in FWB and Dean P, puts it like this:
During the game my mind was on it at all times. When? When?
Before? Halftime? When? When? Also How?
At the end of the third quarter, I knew it was time. I left my seat
and arranged it just so it could be done and inconspicuously. Uncannily
enough, my seat at the stadium was VERY similar, to Bob’s seats at
Giants stadium. Same corner, same tier, same yard line, same view.
Except this time, it was in AZ, it was the Superbowl, and I, no,
WE, were surrounded by families of the team.
I told him… “Help them out Bob, you and Wellington and Mr.
Tisch and all the other Giants fans with you, help them out”
Every now and then I looked at the dwindling remains and said,
“come on Bob…let’s go”. Then it came to every offensive play on that
last drive….”Let’s get it in the end zone, let’s do it.”
We all know the rest. And it didn’t go unnoticed. John Mara, in a post game interview, said he thought he saw someone spreading ashes on the field. Yep, you saw it, John. The people who loved Bob, the fans of that long tradition of Giants supporters, were the ones who did it. The ashes were a sign of life, not death.
As a post script to this story,after the game, I went to a supermarket. A woman there saw me in my Giants gear and gave me a joyous hug. She asked how long I had been a fan. “Since 1958,” I replied. She asked if I remembered Troy Archer. Indeed I did. He was an excellent defensive end whose life and career was cut short in an auto accident after only three years with the team. He was a fan favorite and many of us thought he would become a fixture in the Giants D-line.
She then took out a few pictures of her and Troy as young adults and had dated him. She told me she held those pictures through the whole game. If there was a moment for tears, that was it, and they came.
On the BigBlueInteractive website after the game so many posters talked about “tears.” They were unabashedly crying about the win. For young fans and old, weeping was a release for all the bad years, bad games, bad drafts, bad picks, bad coaches, bad officiating, bad bounces and bad luck we’ve experienced over the years, a release from those decades-old hurts and a joyful pride in the accomplishment of the team we love. Plaxico cried, too.
So, besides the legitimately historic win that this was, setting aside the remarkable achievement this Giants team accomplished, this SuperBowl holds a special place in our hearts. And as we remember Super Bowl XLII and Bob, we must take a moment to remember Giant fans in Iraq, Ronnie and JOrthman and others serving our country, Bob’s wife Linda, his colleague and friend, Big Blue ‘56, HopeJ, Eric, BigBlue26, Jlukes, Brian, Chopper, Berrylish, Bill2, Schnitzie, RNargi, Ed in FWB, Raze, Gary From the East End, Joey in VA,TTB, very close friend, Steve in Maryland, Larry in Pennsylvania, T-Bone, Manh George, Ray in Arlington, Old Timer, Lunatic, Carpoon, Anak, JohnG, Britt in Va, DC Pollaro, Gidefor, Sal in Yonkers, Beez, young Ryan, and so many others I’ve left out — join me in saying, “Bob, this one’s for you.”
Postscript: Incidentally, Bob was born in 1942.
Adding to this, early this spring BBI lost another great man and stalwart of the Training Camp contingent, ATar...a kind man, a good man, a great husband and father, and a true Giants fan.
Both are missed immeasurably
I looked around and declined with a most appreciative 'thank you, but this will do just fine'.
I also thought at the same time, that it couldn't wait until the end of the game.
Strange thing... I looked around the stadium during the end of the third quarter with the binoculars that Hope lent me, and in one luxury box, I saw a group of nuns praying, some holding a rosary, some not, some genuflecting (sp). etc.
I kept looking around and I thought.... a moment of prayer..... Help from above? Help from all the Giants fans , you know, up there?
Call it a semi-religious experience, a romantic experience, call it whatever you like. To me, time was of the essence. I had to act fast. There was no question in my mind.
I had realized that my seat at that Superbowl was, as I stated, uncannily similar to Bob's seats at the stadium.
The location of the seat, and some strange dire need, but not for myself, came over me and thats when I let the breeze at the top of that stadium carry Bob through the 4th quarter.
That's when I felt the need to silently cheer with Bob and others. That's when the Giants needed ALL of their fans. It simply couldn't wait. The breeze would get Bob on the field eventually, but it simply could not wait. He had to be there to see it unfold, not just to celebrate.
Last year we started off 0-2 and many fans were throwing in the towel. I'm a fan that sticks by my guys no matter what. Every week I call in to the post game show and try to put a positive spin on things.
Last year the fans were killing Lawrence Tynes. Many fans and media people had him cut from the team after the London game.
I always believed that Tynes was a very good kicker. I knew he was going through difficult times with the birth of his new twins during training camp.
We were playing Dallas at home in November when Lawrence lined up right before the half and he made a 48 yard field goal. I was so glad he banged it threw, because the fans would have killed him for the rest of the year.
We lost the game anyway, but that night I went home and knew that we still had the team to make some noise in the playoffs. I wrote Lawrence Tynes a letter on how I felt about him.
I told him that I was so glad he made that kick and that sometimes Giants fans can be tough on players. I told him to keep banging away because I knew he was going to make a big kick this year in the playoffs and get us to the next level.
I told him that his teammates, his coaches and "Danny Section 111" believe in him. I told him he will be our kicker for many years to come.
That letter was sent to him in November.
Well, I was at home watching the Green bay game with my Boys when Tynes lined up for the game winner and the snap was bad and he missed the kick, I looked at my 3 sons and said, don't worry, he will get another chance.
Well, after Webster’s interception, I knew Lawrence chance would come. He went out there and kicked a frozen ball 47 yards and history was made.
One week before the Super bowl I received a letter in my mail box with a return address from L. Tynes, Giants Stadium.
It was a letter from Lawrence Tynes thanking me for my letter I wrote him, he sent me back my original letter and circled the part where I said "You will make a big kick in the playoffs" and wrote "You were right"
He wrote me a hand written letter saying that he kept my letter in his locker and he promised me he will bring us back the Lombardi Trophy.
I have that letter framed on my wall with the rest of my many Giants memories.
I also went to the Dallas playoff game with "SAL from YONKERS" We witnessed the best game ever that day. That was my first away game ever, I have been to over 300 home games in my life but that Dallas game was the best experience I ever had at a Giants game.
We had seats in section 113 with "Big Blue Travel” We sat right under the Maras’s press box. Right after the game, The Maras opened the window and let us celebrate the victory with them. We shared many hugs with Mrs. Maras and her daughters, Kathy and Susan and the rest of the Family.
We have pictures of that celebration, and they are also on my wall in my sports room. "SAL from YONKERS" also sits with me in section 111. We witnessed the best season in Giants history. I thought the Championship game in 1986 was the best. The best part of all this is that I believe 2008 will be better.
Danny Section 111 (season ticket holder 44 years)
Than came the miracle catch, no not Tyree but Eli in 04. A franchise quarterback of the decade type combined with a coach who likes to outscore the opposition. Bad Lewis defenses meant big scores were required, yes Eli was up to the task with miracle comebacks against Dallas, Denver, Philly etc. One question remained would the rest of the league stand a chance with a competitive defense? The answer became too obvious in 07. Wait til next year.
I have been a Giant Fan for 47 years. I first started rooting with my Dad in the late 60’s, so I had MANY lean years in the beginning. I remember ticket burning, the unknown fan, the fumble, etc. When the G – Men became a force in the mid 80’s it was worth all the pain and suffering that I lived through in my youth. Since the early days I was the king of superstition, I would not let anyone move or eat something when things were going good. I still believe the Giants won the 86’ Superbowl because I wouldn’t let Aunt Dinah go to the bathroom. The 90’ Superbowl win was because my brother-in-law Rob and I stood in the same corner two weeks in a row as Giants needed to make a field goal and the Bills needed to miss one.
The craziness continued during the 07’ playoff run. I wasn’t stressed out about the Tampa Bay game, so decided to have a nice leisurely meal. It started with shrimp from Costco during the first half and barbeque chicken and white rice for the dinner. The Chicken and Rice happens to be my younger son Jake’s favorite meal. My drink of choice was Glenlivet 12 year old scotch on the rocks. So there we were, Lisa, my wife, Jake and I watching the Tampa game. The three of us, our dog Casper, Max our Cat and my Touchdown towel I had from the old days of WNEW – AM 1130. In addition, I talked to my older son Josh on the phone periodically during the game. Well the next Sunday comes and we start the same “tradition” with the Dallas game. What do you know, it worked again. I added one more wrinkle to the mix for the NFC Championship Game versus the Packers, I started to wear the same outfit. After Tynes missed the field goal, we all reverted back going to the corner to make sure the field goals were going our way. Another wining combination, the next weekend during the bye week, we had the same meal with just the three of us.
Building up to Superbowl was tough. Living in the DC area all our friends and acquaintances wanted to know what I was doing for Super Sunday. I was asked - “are you having a party to celebrate the G – Men Superbowl appearance”, we were invited to parties to be the token Giant Fan. I made the mistake once before, in the 2000 Superbowl versus the Ravens. We invited people over, we had some fair weather Ravens fans blow the karma. I felt responsible for the Giants Loss. I was not going to make the same mistake twice. So there we were, Lisa, Jake, the pets and I with Costco shrimp, barbeque chicken, white rice, the touchdown towel, scotch and communication silence (except with Josh). The winning Combination worked for one more week and won a championship for The New York Football Giants
We are thrilled with the posts you have offered, both here and through your emails to me. Over the next few days we will be going through them as we decide which ones to use. By Thursday, July 17, we will have finished that process.
The ones that are used will probably appear in shorter form than you sent them, in part to get your best stuff in the book and in part to make room for many stories. But you should know that your stories have made us laugh a lot, probably cry a little and remind us what being a sports fan is all about.
So you all know: we will not publish phone numbers in the book. That is merely for us to have your story verified by our editors. The stories we do use will have your name and hometown--for several reasons. First, we want the other readers of the book to know whose memories they're reading; second, we'll use hometowns because it's a remarkably diverse group of fans who have responded and the hometowns help show that.
We will be in touch with those whose stories we use and we will be back regularly on BBI to keep you all updated on publication dates, etc.
Thanks again.
Arthur Pincus
-The Miracle-
I have been a Giants fan since 17 March 1982. That is the day my father passed at the age of 36. I was 10 years old and a cowboys fan to spite my father.
I have been True Blue since that day. I am in the process of passing on that love to my three children. I even painted my son’s room(he is 2) all Giants colors and put up a fathead helmet.
I am in the military and was not deployed in 2007. A rarity. Even though I am from Albany this was also the first year I got to take time to go to camp. I even got a picture of my son in Giants gear signed by over 40 players. It hangs proudly in his room.
After the Giants beat the Bucs I turned to the Wife and told her if the Giants are going to the Superbowl then so am I. I put in my leave paperwork the next day and started looking for travel and tickets.
By the Sunday before the game I had exhausted all my resources and decided I would just drive out to Arizona from Virginia and sleep in the car and get a ticket at the game. That night around 6pm My Mother calls and tells me the Center for Disabled is having a drawing for an all expense paid trip to the game for all those that donate $100 dollars. I did and I WON!!! I couldn't believe it.
So I am at the game with just under 3 minutes to go. I turn to my Brother-in-law a say "I don't know whether to cry or puke" His response "don't puke on me" Well after Plax caught the TD I started to well up. After Alford Crushed Brady I let it all out(tears, no solids). I will never forget the look of Brady's body bouncing of the ground. I looked up and said a thanks to my Dad and felt pure joy.
Let me start by saying that the Giants are in my DNA. I was born a Giants fan. I was raised a Giants fan. One of my first memories of the Giants was the Fumble. My Dad taught me that no matter how bad the Giants played….they are “OUR TEAM”. Live and Die with the Giants!!!! Those of you that sit in Section 323 you know what I mean. Just FIRE IT UP!!!!!
I’ll start with the making of a Giants fan:
Wild Card Game in Tampa:
I had just bought a new house and decided to invite some of the guys I go to the games with by to watch the game. My daughter (4 years old) was very excited to have people coming by to watch the game. “Uncle Rob” and “Uncle Ray” came by and Emma had a ball jumping up and down and screaming every time the Gmen did something good.
The whole next week she kept asking me if Uncle Rob and Uncle Ray are coming back next week. I told her absolutely! We are very superstitious people. We all have to sit in the same spots and do the same things….
Game in Dallas:
Uncle Rob, Ray, Dad and Emma in their respective spots and everything turn out well.
Emma is now hooked. I did my job!!!!!!
Game in GB:
The crew was in place and Emma had a ball.
Super Bowl:
She watched the first half and then fell asleep…….. HEY If TYOU WERE 4 YOU WOULD HAVE TOO……
How do I know she is hooked? About once a month she asks me if we could watch the Giants game again!
Now to the passing of:
My dad had been fighting the big C for some two years. And towards December it was looking bleak. The doctors gave him days.
Now a little background:
My Dad was born and raised a Giant fan by his Dad. He grew up during the hard times of the late 60’s and 70’s. Because of this he became the typical negative Giant fan. He was always looking for the bad in things.
I believe in being positive so as time passed I could no longer watch the game with my Dad because he was always looking for the next shoe to drop. But we both knew each other loved the Gmen and would always talk about the game the next day.
Now the playoffs:
Tampa game:
Nice effort but there is no way we lose this game!
Dallas game:
Now this is the game!!!!
My Dad always taught me this as far as the NFC East goes:
Washington Class Organization ( pre Snyder) DISLIKE
Phili: HATE: Low life’s….Don’t take seriously
Dallas: Despise!!!!!!! They stole Landry!!!!!!!
The win at Dallas was the most gratifying win of my life. I had never seen my Dad happier then that night. I sat and cried that night. My wife asked me why I was crying and I told her my Dad is going to die this week…..but now he is going to die happy.
The next day I got the dreaded call. Come by the hospital… Dad is dying.
I went to the emergency room and found my Dad’s room. I went in and the first words out of his mouth was HOW BOUT THEM GMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He had a smile from ear to ear!!!!!!!
I approached him and he said, “ I now have to live another week. I have to see the game in Green Bay.”
I told him…. Dad, you have to live another three weeks. We are going to win the Super Bowl.”
He nodded at me in agreement.
The next day the doctors sent him home to die. They told us that he wouldn’t last a day or two.
Well Dad’s attitude was that as long as the Giants are alive I will be too.
He fought on to watch both the NFC Championship game and the Super bowl.
I took that Tuesday off to go to the parade with some friends. But before I left I got that dreaded call again…. I went by Dads house and he was in bad shape. We watched the parade together on TV.
He died that Thursday after the Super Bowl. He died a very HAPPY MAN!!!!!
Wherever Dad is now he is wearing his Super Bowl Championship hat proudly!!!!
I would like to thank all of the Giants players and everyone in the organization providing joy to my Dad in his last days.
Thanks
FIRE IT UP
SEC 323
Superstitions in relation to the outcome of Giant games were always a part of my game experience. I forgot to tape the game, wore the wrong watch, sat in the wrong seat at home, switched seats at the game etc -- something I did caused a Giant loss. Usually this was met with the reaction from my brother that NOTHING I did caused the Giants to lose. NOTHING.
So here starts the playoff run of the 2007 season. We were invited to a friends house to watch the Tampa Bay game on their HD TV. Seemed OK - they were big Giant fans, we had watched a road game there during the season and the Giants won. We watched the game - cheered on the Gmen - and we won!
Immediately after the game I realized -- we have to watch the Dallas game here next week or I will think it is our fault if we lose.Suprisingly, the non superstitious brother was now in agreement! So -- we invited ourselves back to their house for the Dallas game. Same people, same seat location in the living room.
Giants win and beat Dallas! Guess what -- we have to come back next week! One of the hosts had to work that day -- no problem, we'll bring all the food and stay with the rest of the family. (Luckily she managed to get the day off, or it would have been her fault if the Giants lost to Green Bay)
Green Bay -- same people, same seats. Chaos when the Giants win -- and then a collective thought.... SUPER BOWL -- same place!!!
We alienated a more than a few friends who heard about our Super Bowl party and wanted to come. Sorry. Absolutely not. They couldn't believe it and were more than a little ticked off. This party was only for those who attended the previous three playoff games. A serious, football watching, Giants Super Bowl experience. Same people, same seats, same food. We had to add a bucket in front of my brother who thought he was going to get sick when the Patriots got the ball back with 35 seconds left. (he came close) But other than that, one of the best experiences of my life.
As we would find out, our confidence level was far too high. Working against us that day was the Giants propensity for playing down to the level of their competition. This is a trait that has plagued this team for as long as I've been watching. Another thing working against us was a frustrating streak for may family. We haven't seen a Giants win at a game we've been to since 2001 (The first home game after 9/11 against the Saints). Nevertheless, we were confident.
5:00 pm- What had just happened? What happened to our team? Our Quarterback? Was that really the Minnesota Vikings we had just played? As I sat on the suddenly quiet and downtrodden bus, I pondered these questions. I don't expect a ton from my Giants teams. I'm a young guy, I've only been following the team since the mid 90s. But I've certainly seen my fair share of heartbreaking losses, enough to last a lifetime, all packed into a 15 year stretch. Because of this, I don't usually aspire for the Super Bowl. I'm usually just hopeful the team will make the playoffs and then we'll take it from there. I figure there's enough that could go wrong with this team that may just end up breaking my heart if I'm so hopeful. Besides, the few times I've entered the year with thoughts of a super bowl title (2001, 2003, 2006) the season has just ended in disappointment. So like I said, I was just hopeful that this team would make the playoffs, which would be excellent considering the expectations for this team heading into the season. But now I was beginning to wonder if this was even a playoff team. I was legitimately concerned about where this team was going. The majority of my concerns originated from one spot: The Quarterback position.
I've always believed in Eli Manning. Even through two and a half inconsistent seasons filled with just as many bad games as good, I've always remained hopeful that Eli would fulfill the promise that he had when he came into this league. After that game against the Vikings, for the first time, I began to wonder if Eli would be able to get it done in this league and lead this franchise to the places he was drafted to take them. I'm not going to go through his performance in that game, we all know what happened. But this performance proposed some very serious questions as to whether Eli was the man for this job, whether he could fulfill the lofty expectations set for him when Ernie Accorsi gave up multiple draft picks to get him. I was genuinely concerned for my team, for this year and the foreseeable future. I was just hopeful we could make the playoffs, I wasn't even thinking about the Super Bowl.
February 3, 2008 11:30 pm- As I sat on my couch, watching highlight after highlight of the Giants improbable Super Bowl Victory, I thought back to that Vikings game. How did we get from that horrible game to this? This was all I could think about. How did we go from a 41-17 drubbing at the hands of the Vikings that left us wondering if Eli Manning could get it done to an incredible playoff run in which Eli's performance rivaled those of Joe Montana in his day. It was truly remarkable the progress that this team and it's quarterback had made in a little over two months. We went from the mistake prone passer who made us cringe every time he threw a pass off his back foot into coverage to a calm and collected leader that inspired confidence in all of us as he lead his team on to the field for one final drive. It's unfathomable the progress that this entire team made as they improved and came together as a team, taking to the road and beating foe after foe in their own place. I just couldn't grasp that this team, that had just accomplished an incredible task in winning the Super Bowl and defeating the previously undefeated Patriots, was the same team that I had watched play a truly horrible game in November that left all of us wondering where this season was going.
I left Giants Stadium on November 25 wondering if Eli Manning could lead this team to the promised land and if this Giants team was even playoff material. I went to bed February 3 having no doubt that Eli Manning was the Quarterback for this team and that the 2007 Giants were more than just playoff material, they were a team for the ages.
Hopefully, my story isn't too late. This should be a great book. Thanks guys.
So we rolled off 5 more wins and took our record to 6-2, all is well. The season progressed, some solid wins, some heart breaking losses. Fast forward to Week 15 when the Skins came to NY. The QB I defended these past 4 years was throwing darts all night in Giants stadium like I had never seen him, problem was, we threw too many and our receivers could not catch a cold that night. I was furious, we had our chance to clinch, and we botched it. Another low. But hey, my semester just ended and it was home to Jersey to be with the family the rest of the way, I just did not realize that then football was put on hold.
A routine hysterectomy for my mom was scheduled December 21st, the day after I got back from school, she told me everything was fine. The surgery seemed to last forever and something in my stomach just did not feel right. The surgeon finally appeared, but then he took my brothers, myself, and my stepfather into this closet of a patient consultation room. He explained something about residue around the ovaries he was able to scrape away. That did not sound right, everything else he was saying was a blur, the stomach pain just grew the longer he spoke. That was when my stepfather asked, "What's next?"
"Well, this is how we treat this type of Cancer."
My heart sunk.
Life stopped.
It could not be true. My Mom? The strongest woman I know? After all she has been through and such a great job she did raising her 4 children basically on her own, she deserves this? I could not fathom her not being by my side.
I came home from the hospital that Friday and had nowhere to turn really but BBI. I was at a loss and in panic, but I knew for some reason, this community would help lift my spirits in some form. The support was more than I could have ever hoped for. Countless diehard fans like myself came to my rescue in that time of uncertainty, the words and prayers of kindness and support were second to none. I will never forget it. My Mom and I shared tears when reading the thread containing those words when she got back from the hospital that Sunday, right before we got to enjoy the Buffalo game together.
She taught me my Giants love, she was your prototype soccer mom, involved in all of our athletics, and of course, a Giant fan for life. Sports have been a connection for our family since it began.
So we relished in that Buffalo win, finally, we came through when we needed to clinch, our house was rocking when Ahmad took that long run to the house. And when the clock struck :00, she knew it, "Playoffs again, it's time we do some damage this year," she said. I agreed.
So another week passed and we would play the unbeatables. I had only been to the Washington game at FedEx but my buddy called early in the morning before the game and told me had an extra ticket. I was not sure though if I could go though, I wanted to enjoy the game with Mom again, I had not watched many games with her all season. Being herself though, she told me to go and have fun, we'd have the whole playoffs to enjoy. Little did I know she was playing prophet.
So we lost, but something was different. We looked possessed, we let NE off the hook, Eli looked to be in total control like he was in week 1, inconsistency? This was the Manning I defended all along. If he plays like this, and his teammates the same, we will see NE again, I thought.
Of course leading up to Tampa, I was still nervous as can be, I mean, we kept choking in the first round the past two years, what if it happened again? Eli would be lambasted, Coughlin, ridiculed. It would be difficult to continue to defend these guys.
I had to watch the game in Towson away from home though, I needed to work. We simply looked beat in that first quarter but after that, we were dishing out a beat down. The long drive orchestrated by Eli to ice the game followed by RW's incredible INT to end it were great. But it was not the same at the bar without Mom. I vowed to watch the rest of the games in Jersey, this team was going far and I needed to enjoy the run with Mom and the family.
So onward to Dallas. What is there to say, our enemies, we had to beat that cocky team. I'll never forget the pregame, every fox broadcaster picked Dallas, they had those stars running across the bottom of the screen, Terry, Howie, JB, Jimmy. All Dallas. Mom said screw it, they always pick against us, nothing new. When RW caught the pick, an incredible weight was lifted, we screamed we hugged, and right after, the post-game came on, once the faces showed up, "Screw you all!! You all picked us to lose!" Mom proclaimed. Priceless.
OK, we had to lose in GB, right? Favre? In the tundra? Possibly his final go? Eli cannot play in the cold, right?
Wrong.
Eli was the cold weather QB that night. Brett looked like he wanted to go home. The concern set in a little bit when RW kept fumbling but thankfully Michael Johnson saved the day. Then Tynes had the chance. Crap! The snap is off. Yep, it misses. It's ok, he'll get in overtime, he will not let his teammates down again. And that was my favorite thing shown by this team time and time again this season, they epitomized what it meant to be a TEAM. When Eli put us in position for a 48 yarder in OT but could not convert 3rd down, Tynes ran right on the field knowing he would make it. I knew it was in the moment he kicked it, ran right to mom and kissed her, "We're going to the SB!"
"We're gonna get you one," Eli said to Strahan after that game. I interpreted the comment though as Eli saying it to all the fans, we'd been through a lot in Giants history and Eli was going to bring us back into the limelight.
What a long two weeks. My mom should have went in 1990 but my father sold her tickets, she always jokes that it was a factor in the divorce. So the plan was to get Mom to Glendale, my brother and I frantically scoured for ways to get tickets and by way of incredible kindness, we had them. But Mom knew it was not in her best interest to get on a plane with a weakened immune system from chemo, risking infection, and in my heart, I knew she was right. My brother still wanted to go, but I reassured him, being with Mom to watch this is something we will never forget, more importantly, she will enjoy it the most.
The game was a ball of nerves for me, I knew we had it, but I just did not want us to lose. It was our time, the Giants worked so hard, it would bring our family such happiness in a time when happiness was just uncertain, and some way, some how, we were going to get help from above. So the fourth quarter came, and we were still down by 4. Eli would have none of it. A perfect dart to Boss for a catch and run to put us in NE territory, my brother and I are jumping around in excitement, I could see Mom reveling in our joy. Then the TD to Tyree, the man who lost his mother just weeks before, just made the biggest catch of his career, well, at the time. But crap, defense, damn, they were tired, it happens after you just abuse the best QB in the league for 3+ quarters. It is ok though, Eli still has 2+ minutes to work with, this is what he does. The stage was set. I was confident as can be, but I could not stop shaking. Mom had to grab my hand to make it stop tapping before the drive started.
OK, Toomer, first down, good start. Alright, we are moving the ball, crap, Amani, got to roll to get that extra yard. 4th and 1, we got the beast, Brandon Jacobs, to get 1 yard. He gets it, a little close, but we got it. Great, how did it get to 3rd and 5? Come on E, we got this. He drops back, bodies all around but he steps up with authority, a shirt tug was not going to deny this man, then he just tossed it up, almost like he was throwing it to the heavens. TYREE!!!!! How did he??? What?? It is stuck on his helmet! If there was ever a time in my life when I though Divine intervention had taken place, "The Catch" was it. And I am sure Tyree felt the same, but I am sure Tyree's mother was helping to keep the ball pinned to his helmet. There were some Giants fan up there doing there part to help.
So, whew, back to reality, we still need to score. We caught a break with Samuels dropping an interception, we now faced 3rd and 11, time to take advantage, STEVE SMITH the rookie!! What a play to get out of bounds. At this point, I look over at Mom and she just nodded her head at me, it was time right here. Seconds later, "Manning, lobs it... Burress ALONE... TOUCHDOWN NEW YORK!!!!!" My brother and I went absolutely wild, chest bumping, screaming, my sister jumping up and down, and then I looked back at my mom, just sitting there on the couch grinning with the biggest smile you could possibly imagine. I just went right over to hug her, it was unforgettable.
But we knew there was still time left. The last 4 plays were a blur, Alford's sack, euphoric, Webster's tip, heart-wrenching, then the final deflection, relief for Giants fans worldwide. Eli takes a knee, and the Giants, have won the SB! They did it. And never in my life did I think sports could bring such happiness to families but that night, it was unquestionable, the Giants brought my family infinite happiness. A gift I could never replace, the memories were just too great. Just 3 weeks earlier, my mom's hair had all fallen out, I could tell she was distraught, the smile after each win was the perfect pick me up, she loved our smiles and we loved seeing her smile. This playoff run gave her something to look forward to each week to keep her mind off the terrible disease and her suffering. And she knew it would do so when she told me to enjoy the NE game in Week 17, "We will have the WHOLE playoffs to enjoy."
Man was she right. And we enjoyed it to the fullest. I cannot imagine how we all might have functioned without it. It almost felt like we needed this run to keep us looking up, and it feels like someone upstairs knew that as well.
Thank you Giants for such an important season for my family, for all Giants fan families.
Lyle Silverman
Needless to say, after the Giants won, the atmosphere was a lot different. Lots of long faces bad attitudes. Pats fans would cringe at the sight of my Eli Manning jersey (the away jersey, of course) like vampires pulling back from a crucifix. The comments changed as well. To this day I hear nothing but excuses. "Brady wasn't 100%." (When just before the game the consensus was that he was faking the ankle injury) or "Belichick was wearing a red hoody, that's why we lost!" and the best one yet "They held the Pats D-line, like, 5 times on that 'miracle play'! That game was fixed!".
The entire 16 years of crap I had to put up with from Pats fans has all paid off... It is absolutely fantastic to listen to all of the excuses, the groans, the guarantees that the Giants will suck in 08 and the Pats will once again make it to the Big Dance. I never thought it could happen, but Hell has transformed into my own personal Heaven. Thank you Big Blue!
The absolute earliest memory I have of life is siiting with my father on Sunday, in his big red chair watching the Giants. Always, always, with a package of genoa salami from Andy Wahila's Meat Market to snack on through the game. The salami was his contibution to gameday superstitious rituals - he'd laugh thoughout those years of lousy football and call it his good luck charm.
Saturdays, back then, included the ritual of taking the TV tubes to the local Drug store to test on their tube tester. Any weak or malfunctioning tubes were replace so that there would be no need to bang on the sides or top of the TV to correct malfunctions during the game.
Tvs with tubes and Andy Wahilas Meat Market are gone - meat market has taken on a different connotation too - but
as the years passed we never missed a game via radio or TV, and over the years the good luck of the genoa salami began to take effect.....culminating in the 1986 Superbowl victory....an event that at times over the 60's and 70's, we never thought we'd see in our lifetimes. Foregoing all of the Superbowl party invites, Dad and I sat in the same family room of my childhood to watch the game, the good luck genoa salami working its magic along with our Giants.
Two more Superbowls and many up and down seasons later, Dad is gone, passed away in 2002. As his heart failed him the last week of his life, he wore his newest Giant sweatshirt to keep warm.
I watch the latest Giants Superbowl with my 2 year old daughter Hannah - she is dressed in her toddler Giants outfit among the few word she has learned are "Giants" and "Shalami". Grandpa would have loved her. She has watched every Giants game with me since she was born. My son Jordan,10,is not with us as he is with his mother, my first wife, but he is watching the game at his mothers with his Giant shirt on and a snack of genoa salami. At my house the good luck genoa salami is present along with some new good luck items that were added during the latest playoff run - my Giants slippers added by my son Jordan, my Dads last Giants sweatshirt drapes the couch and I wear the Giants t-shirt that matches the color of the uniform for the game - this has been the good luck combo that has worked through the incredible playoff run.
Jordan calls many times during the game, Hannah jumps and shouts with me at every exciting turn, and by the last few minutes of the game I have lost my voice, my daughter is in a toddler tizzy, Jordan is yelling in the phone and my wife Sue thinks I have lost my mind. She has watched all the previous games this year with me but has never seen me like this. The clock hit zero after the final play and we all erupt. Tears fill my eye as I thank God for blessing me with his Love all my life, My Father, my Family, and the Giants.
I took my seat, nodded to familiar friends and fellow ticket holders, and could see that this game was going to be as serious as a playoff game. Everyone was standing. As the Giants started their first drive, I could feel the electricity in the stadium building to a crescendo. It reached it's peak when Plax ripped a deep pass out from the sky in the middle of the field. It was directly across from where I was sitting and had a birds-eye view. I thought I blew out my eardrum, the crowd was deafening. At that point I think everyone in that stadium knew the giants were going to make a super bowl run.
At the same time, I could not believe how many publications had us finishing 4th in the NFC East. We were young, and had talent that was gaining experience. Living in Virginia Beach at the time, I was inundated with skins information, and news as to how good the cowboys and eagles would be. (sorry, it's a superstition, I just can't capitalize the names of any teams in our division) I'd say at least half of the preseason publications that I read had the GIANTS finishing last in the NFC East.
In looking at our schedule, I anticipated more than a few bumps. I felt a little more comfortable after the Dallas loss, at least we could score. I was thinking, our D would come around. The GB game was a close contest, at least until the second half. I was disappointed at that point, and will readily admit that I would have taken 8 - 8.
Things got progressivly worse during the first half of week 3, as I remember, we were down 19 -3 to the skins.
The saving point of our season was the 2nd half of the third game.....not just the goal line stand. The second half is where our D stepped up.....
% wins in a row after that....with the D playing ferocious...loving it.
Minn debacle....a scare with Detroit...at least for me.....
skins beat us in a critical game.....
And all of the sudden we are faced with winningon eout of our last two....with Buffalo, and NE......
Buffalo game......I was never really nervous....yes, we were down, but all of the sudden, the tide turned, and it was as if all the luck in Vegas was on our side.....especially the D.....
At that point, we're in....loving it.
Pats game...week 17. I'll be one of fthe few to admit, I though we should have rested our guys.....if anyone would have been injured in that game, I think history would be giving us all a little different take....but....aside from a minor setback, we played great.....
And without question, that game gave the GIANTS the confidence they needed to get through the playoffs and win the Super Bowl.
Living in Tampa, I was lucky enough to have watched the first playoff game live. Lucky that is, in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.....because in the 1st quarter, the GIANTS were held to -1 yards, and were getting their collective butts handed to them.
The better team won that day. And on to Dallas we went. As a GIANTS fan, I can honestly say that I'm not entirely convinced that the better team won in Dallas. Thank God Crayton can't catch....and that Romo is human (can't wait to torment him for the next 10 years or so)....regardless, we move on.
GB.....lend my cold weather gear to a buddy who is flying out from Tampa to meet his Pop at the game...they are both from Vermont, but his Pop is GB fan...I watch the game alone in my home....unreal. Missed field goal at the end of the game does not even have me down...not sure why not...FAITH????
Webster makes his play, the kick is good, and on to the Super Bowl.
I watch the Super Bowl alone. Just like I did in '86 (while I was living in skins country), and in '90, and in 2000. My neighbors at this point are used to my excessive profanity, although I do my best to keep it down. At about the 4 minute mark of the game, there is complete silence from my residence......time didn't stand still, but I sure did. I could not move. I had walked a beaten path between my living room and kitchen the whole game, but for the last 4 minutes or so, I was glued to one spot. As the game see-sawed back and forth, I swear I stopped breathing.....no blinking, no breathing...almost comotose....
Tyree's catch ignited me for a breif moment, but even then, my celebration was muted...everything was in slow motion......I watched the Burress catch, and didn't even scream, or move.....I couldn't breath. Still time on the clock...
As the D stuffed the last hopes of the pats down the drain, I still could not move....
...only when my phone blew up with text messages letting me know that the party had already begun, there were red, white, and blue shots waiting for me at the corner bar, did I feel the blood flow through me again.....
ONE NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOREVER
Perhaps one day, when I am not really thinking about much of anything, I will be able to sit down for a fleeting second and just reflect back on what we all witnessed on Sunday.
I still do not believe it. I do not believe it even today. I will not believe it a week from now or maybe even a month from now. It is going to take a long time before it really sinks in that the Giants….my New York Football Giants are World Champions!
Let me make sure I have this correct…..The New York Football Giants are World Champions!
To be truthful, there was s no way any Giants fan of any reasonable intelligence could have predicted this would happen. If you happen to be one of those, not only do I request you provide video or audio evidence that can be verified by the FBI. But to provide me lottery numbers for the next year. Surely, with that kind of luck, I am bound to hit the jackpot at least once in the next 365 days.
You think back to the moment when it was finally over. When Tom Brady’s fourth down and 20 pass was knocked away and fell harmlessly to the ground out of bounds. Tom Coughlin given the Gatorade shower and celebration began to commence. Think about the people that you were watching the game with, your fellow Giants fans or a casual fan in general. When it was going to be official, to see the joy and the smiles on people’s faces and emotion that came flowing out was priceless.
The referees stepped in and said that one more play had to be run, but it was only for cosmetic purposes. I can remember myself having my hands on my head just soaking it all in. I was unable to let out a large amount of emotional joy. Rather, just trying to savior the moment. Admittedly, I wanted to shed a tear or two, but then I realized my eyes were itching for other reasons. As they went to the victory formation to run the final kneel down, I stayed on two knees with my head down to the ground thinking that I had seen perhaps not only the greatest upset in the history of football, but the greatest game in my life.
I only remember the New York Jets beating the Baltimore Colts from watching documentaries. I wasn’t born to watch the Miracle on Ice. I was only two when Villanova played the perfect game and upset Georgetown. My parents didn’t fork up $40 to watch Buster Douglas knock out Mike Tyson. And even if they did, I probably wouldn’t have understood it anyway. Great upsets were things that only hear about and watch retrospectives on later.
But here it was. The New England Patriots, at 18-0, were playing to become the greatest team in the history of professional sports. They had arguably the greatest coach and potentially the greatest quarterback of all time on the same team. Unstoppable was the phrase given to them. Indomitable to some. Impregnable to others. No way could it be possible that this team of superstars and All-Pro’s would be able to lose what Antonio Pierce described a few weeks ago as “All-Joe’s”.
The coronation was set. The parade route was planned. The DVD was in production. The book “19-0” was ready for one’s buying pleasure. NFL Films had filmed the most amount of tape ever on one team. They were set to put that tape to good use, ready to gouge its consumer for what ungodly amount they could get.
The Giants were to be nothing more than a mere formality. A fly ready to be swatted and left for dead by the Patriots and sent into that hell and infamy that accompanies Super Bowl losers. To see and hear talking heads supposedly using intelligence to discuss this game, I wondered to others and myself if the Giants should even show up for this game. Why even fly down to Arizona for festivities and the game just to see a loss and being out of several thousand dollars? I could find better ways to waste money.
I needed to see for myself if this was true. Were the Patriots that much better than the Giants? That is why I set out to find out for myself. Using my remote, I went to my DVR, re-watched the first Patriots-Giants game, and looked at each play. Coming away from it, nothing drew the conclusion that the Giants couldn’t win. I articulated this point to my very good friends who are both fans of the Pats and they simply dismissed it. However, they admitted to me that they were slightly nervous about the game.
They were right to be nervous.
And I was (about to be) right.
When game time approached, there was no sense of nervousness. This wasn’t the Tampa game where I didn’t know what to expect. This was not the Green Bay, where I was fearful that fatigue was going to catch up with them and reality would set in.
Not this time.
I looked at the score at halftime and it was 7-3. No shoot out had taken place. Everything was holding steady and we all wondered to each other how long this would be able to last.
3 quarters were down and score was still 7-3. Who could have predicted this? It was odd to see a Super Bowl devoid of points. As a Giants fan, you were waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the Patriots to turn on the gas and speed right past them. Then, things began to change. Kevin Boss was running up the field for 45 yards. A few plays later, on a play they have run near the goal line for the last three years, Manning play faked a run into a touchdown pass to David Tyree to make it 10-7. Excitement filled the air. The possibility now suddenly existed.
Now there were less than five minutes to go and the Patriots had the ball. It was precisely at this moment when the last 17 years of Giants football started entering my head. Methodically, as Brady was marching his team down the field and defensive players one by one either having cramping issues or simply having their gas tanks on empty, I harkened back to all the moments when your sports heart would be ripped out by this team.
The loss in 1993 to the Cowboys at Giants Stadium.
The loss in 1997 to the Vikings, blowing a 19-0 lead.
The Super Bowl XXXV loss to the Ravens.
The playoff loss in 2002 to San Francisco.
So all of these memories were in play. And here was New England, now with the ball at the six-yard line trying to if not tie, but go-ahead. It took three attempts, but when Corey Webster slipped and Randy Moss caught the touchdown pass in the end zone, it was a deflating feeling. While cheers throughout different spots of the bar filled the air, the feeling of deflation reemerged. For as gallant as they had played to that point, with 2:45 left, they were trailing and set to be laid six feet under.
As Dominic Hixon was drilled at the 17-yard line on the kickoff return, it was not a remarkable sight. But it was at this moment, when I recalled something that Manning told his teammates in Dallas with 48 seconds left in the half and the team trailing 14-7:
“We’re going to take the ball and we’re going to score. And we’re going to leave time on the clock.”
I told the people around me the same Eli quote. Now, we were hoping to see it play out.
Now, there was no excitement from me. Things began to slow down rather than speed up. One first down. One fourth down conversion. A scramble. Now it was third down and five. Eli miraculously avoids three defenders and finds space to throw downfield. David Tyree, a little used wide receiver, found himself in the air. His hands outstretched reaching for the ball with Rodney Harrison on him like glue. The hands find the ball, but the ball is hanging on his helmet with his hands as he is going to the ground. Somehow, someway, like scripted out of a movie (and even a movie wouldn’t be able create this), he made the catch without the ball touching the ground.
Incredible.
The place erupts. I was not sure that the play was good so I couldn’t react for a moment. But when the referees signaled “good catch” and “first down”, stunned disbelief overtook that moment of joy. More game was left to be played, but time was on their side and the belief that this could really happen started to emerge.
Now third and 11 was up. A miss and the percentages would not be in their favor. Steve Smith would this time play a heroic role. He made the catch. Then, having awareness, got the extra yards necessary for the first down.
It was there to be taken now.
15 yards away from taking it.
With an all out blitz coming, Manning floated the ball into the end zone. Plaxico Burress, playing on one good leg, badly beat his defender Ellis Hobbs and was all alone in the end zone for the touchdown to give the Giants the lead.
Euphoria ensued. The closest thing I could compared this too was when Jorge Posada’s shallow flare into centerfield landed in front of Todd Walker and Johnny Damon in Game 7 in the 2003 LCS. As Bernie Williams and Hideki Matsui were rounding the bases to score the tying runs as Posada made it to second bases uncontested, I remembered Yankee Stadium erupting. It bordered on Joe Girardi’s triple in Game 6 in 1996.
Add this one to those memorable moments.
I looked at the TV and saw there was 35 seconds to go. I began to tell people not to look ahead. “THIS IS NOT OVER!” I remember saying, “This is still the Patriots.” A team able to snatch victory from defeat. But as the ball rested on the 20 yard line, this was one final chance to win this thing and create history.
First and 10 – Incomplete. One down, three to go.
Second and 10 – Sacked for a 10 yard loss.
At this exact moment, I knew they had it. It was only a matter of time now. Two down, two to go.
Third and 20 – Incomplete. Three down, one to go.
Fourth and 20 – Incomplete. Ballgame.
It was over. The miracle had been accomplished. The celebration was on. Hugging and jumping around screaming, “We’re World Champions!” History had been derailed and a different kind of history had been written. This was our Miracle on Ice. Our Villanova-Georgetown. Our Douglas-Tyson. Now, the Giants had pulled off a victory that ranks with all of those.
No one could really still believe it. Perhaps the dream would end like most do, the sun would be up, and it would all be for nothing. Just some wacky thought that you never think would happen. But to realize that it was real and it could never be taken away from you.
People that you didn’t know now coming up to congratulate you. To say, “Thank you”. To give you a hug and a few nice parting words. Suddenly, your fan base had expanded to more than just a few of your newly found friends. Bonds were formed linking everyone.
It’s why we watch sports. It’s why it so fun and sometimes why the people who don’t play in it take it to an extreme. To watch grown people acting like kids again. Watching an old man cry or a young kid scream in celebration. It has something for everyone.
There will be other championship teams. Some were better than this 2007 World Champion Giants team. But nothing, ever, ever will replicate what they did.
That’s the fun in it.
Going into the season I wasn't happy that we had kept Coughlin and promoted Gilbride, nor was I ever fond of Eli. After preseason, I liked what I saw, however, and predicted 11-5.
By the 14th game of the season, I was ready for change.
Living in Upstate NY, I don't get many chances to see my Giants, but as soon as I saw the schedule come out and had the chance to get tickets for the Buffalo game, we got tickets. As I was heading down to game 15 against the Bills, I didn't know what I wanted. If the Giants beat a mediocre Bills team, they get into the playoffs again, but with no head of steam, and the likelihood of no changes in the off season.
My wife's car was the better car for a long drive, but as soon as I got started I noticed a slip or 2 when I was shifting. I figured between the snow, and not having driven the car for a while, it just felt that way. Half way to Buffalo, pulled off on the side of the NYS Thruway, I knew it wasn't my imagination anymore.
My wife was generous enough to drop the kids at grandma's and drive down to where the tow truck dropped me and switch cars, while she waited for another tow back to Rochester.
Finally got down to the stadium, but because I had tipped the tow truck driver I didn't have enough to pay for parking at the stadium. All the spots along the road in people's yards were full, the Giants were already loosing by 14, it was a driving rain, 40 degrees and dropping, and high winds. Forget it, I wasn't going to park a mile away and walk back.
Called home to let them know I was heading back, again my wife convinced me to find a ATM and try the stadium parking again. Well, when I got back to the stadium there was no-one taking money anymore, so I along with a few other cars drove in.
As I walked into the stadium where I could see the field, Brandon Jacobs broke off his longest TD run of his career to tie the game. I turned to a Bills fan and said, "You guys can't do this, I need you to win this one so we can clean house."
Sometime in the 3rd quarter a wind came through. You could see it. We were huddled in the rain, and at the far end of the stadium you could see snow. As that wind blew across, the rain changed instantly to snow as the temperature dropped 5 degrees in an instant.
We left high fiving, and I stumbled out to the car, not drunk, frozen. Even through all the layers, there was no protection in weather like that. We were soaked through. I couldn't even press the button to unlock the door. I felt like the guy in "To Build a Fire."
Well we won, but Eli was awful, and the defense only shut the Bills down, when their All-Pro left tackle got injured. What did this game prove other than I'm a ridiculous fan.
Going into the last week I felt we had to play that game against NE to win it. Not that I thought we could, but what use would resting do, just to limp into the playoffs again.
After going toe to toe with NE in that game, I wasn't sure what the future held, but I felt like "DAMN, if we can continue to play that way we CAN beat anybody!"
If anyone tells you they saw this coming at any other point in the season, they are lying. Even the most ardent Eli supporters had given up on him. Whether Gilbride simplified the offense, or the absence of Shockey's Ego, or the return of Smith and Bradshaw, who knows, but they started playing like the team I had envisioned before the first 2 loses of the season, and the 5 interception game against the Vikings or the 5 fumbles against the Bills...
As far as THE GAME itself. It just felt great to have the team that I grew up loving (my families from NYC), in the only sport that matters, was playing in one of the most historic games of all time. I just wanted a good showing. Win or lose, I just wanted a good showing. We had already knocked of the Cowboys, anything else was gravy.
Not only did we get a good showing we got the Greatest Game of All Time. To have an astounding game like that for the championship, had to rival the great games of years past including the Colts vs. Giants '58 Championship game previously labeled the Greatest Game.
I am an atheist, but when Tyree, who had just lost his mother, made that catch, after Eli's miraculous escape, it had be wondering about angels.
When Plax scored, we jumped and screamed like everyone else (except my 4 year old daughter, who hid under the table). I couldn't believe what we were watching. But there were 35 seconds, 3 Timeouts, Wes Welker, Randy Moss and Tom Brady. One good kickoff return, 3 complete passes, and we were going to OT. The team had to be as spent as we were. NE was playing for history.
History belongs to us now.
Having been a Giants fan for almost 30 years, I had never attended a game in person. When I was younger it was money. As I grew older, it was location. I'm a military broadcaster, like in "Good Morning, Vietnam", and spent the last 20 years overseas or on the West Coast.
Finally, I received orders to Washington, DC. When the season began, I bought tickets for the Giants-Redskins game. Finally, I would be attending a New York Giants game in person.
For most of the game, I put up with an obnoxious Redskins fan. The Giants were 0-2 and had the worst defense in the league. He would turn and say, "All day...all day" every time Washington did anything of note. Late in the 4th quarter, the Giants put on a dramatic 4th and goal stop to win the game. My obnoxious "friend" disappeared very quickly. This is what I consider to be "the beginning".
My job in DC is at the Pentagon Channel. Part of our job is covering big events which have a military tie. Super Bowls always have some tie to them. Military members who attend the game. Fighter jet fly-overs. There's always something.
We also collect troop shout-outs which air on the American Forces Network during the game. "I'm Eli Manning and I want to thank you for everything you're doing."
It was early November and the Giants were playing what one could call "inconsistent" football. I needed to assign a team to cover the 2008 Super Bowl because this is when media credentials are processed for the game. The reporters who attended in 2007, before I arrived at the Pentagon Channel, were not football savvy. They actually conducted an interview with a man who they thought was Lovie Smith. This man was not Lovie Smith. He was just some guy who pretended to be Lovie when the reporters misidentified him. Pretty damn funny actually.
One other thing. The troop shout-outs never made it back in time to air during the game. Not so funny.
Like I said, it was my job to pick a competent team for this year's game. Being in this unique position, I decided to send one of our young sailors to shoot video because he had worked hard and he was a Pats fan. Then I made what we in the military call a "command decision".
I watched the Super Bowl from Baghdad in 2005 on the American Forces Network. I was determined the guys in Baghdad and Afghanistan would see Tom Brady thanking them for their service while they watched the game at 3 am.
The guys in the fight are dealing with an enemy who knows no limits. They force retarded children to be suicide bombers. They rape women and kill children who accept food or water from US troops. The mental and physical stress is immense. I wanted to ensure they had a few hours of distraction to decompress and feel appreciated.
I assigned myself to go to the Super Bowl. Those troop shout-outs would air during the game. I would see to it.
At this point in the season, the thought of the Giants going to Glendale, AZ in February never crossed my mind. It was completely beyond any logical reasoning that these up and down Giants could suddenly get hot.
Fast forward to the final week of the regular season. The Giants have clinched a playoff spot and will play the undefeated and seemingly unstoppable New England Patriots. Like everyone else in the world, I wondered which Giants would show up.
As I watched Big Blue go toe-to-toe with this New England team on the fast track to destiny, the strangest thought crossed my mind. Foolishness. I pushed any thought of such a thing right out of my mind.
Tampa Bay. Encouraging, but the road ahead is still way too difficult. Some pretty good teams lie ahead.
Dallas. Unbelievable. Just an incredible win. Eli looked like the quarterback we always hoped he could be. But......
Green Bay is next. The weather forecast calls for extremely cold conditions in Lambeau Field. It's been a fun run, but surely this will be too much to overcome. But.....
The entire Giant team is playing great football. A thought and a hope I'm almost too afraid to speak aloud. Could the Giants actually go into Lambeau and get lucky?
I decided to go home to Toms River, NJ for the weekend and watch the game with friends that I've known since childhood. I begin to have the feeling that something truly special was about to happen. I wanted to watch the game with other people who would appreciate the moment as much I would.
Plax completely dominated. The defense allowed nearly nothing on the ground. Interception then a fumble right back! Missed field goals late in the game! The Packers were ripe but the Giants just kept failing to take advantage. Seattle all over again?!
Overtime. Lost the coin flip. Another interception! Then an impossible 47 yard field goal!!
I WAS GOING TO A NEW YORK GIANTS SUPER BOWL. It was a thought that just washed over me. It was surreal. It was a moment I will never forget.
The Pentagon Channel did a story on Lt Col Greg Gadson during the season. He is a wounded warrior who spoke to the Giants before the Redskins game which I attended earlier in the year. He lost both legs in Iraq.
He provided inspiration to the team in Washington and at several games during the season. Lt Col Gadson would be one of the stories I would pursue while in Arizona.
The week leading up to the game was just incredible. Media events with the players. I got to talk directly to Eli, Plax, Jacobs, Amani, Stray, etc. Yes, even those other guys like Tom and Junior.
I asked Bill Bellicheck during one of his press conferences if playing the Giants just a few shorts week ago would be an issue. He got a funny look on his face when I asked. :-)
i attended a media party with free cigars, hot models giving away free drinks, all the BBQ you can eat, all topped off with a free concert from the Gin Blossoms.
I asked each of the players to give a shout-out to the troops. Whether you personally agree with this war or not, everyone one of the guys on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan volunteered to join the military because they felt it was the right thing to do.
I volunteered to go to Baghdad myself because I wanted to do my part to ensure the United States will never suffer another 9/11.
Every single player from both sides were very appreciative of the troops and of the opportunity to tell them so. I was truly inspired by the fact, for a few short moments, they were no longer gladiators about to battle on the gridiron. They were each Americans wanting to do their part for the guys carrying the heaviest burden of all.
I also asked every Giant I spoke to about Lt Col Greg Gadson.
Even the jaded media were doing their part. At each player event, the other reporters let the Pentagon Channel ask the first question(get our shout-out) and move on to the next player.
Then came Game Day.
The Super Bowl Committee set us up overlooking the end zone where Plax would be catching the game winning touchdown in about 3 and 1/2 hours.
We had already fed the troop shout-outs back to Washington and they would be airing during the game. We planned to interview Lt Col Gadson and we were given permission to go down near the locker room immediately following the game.
Translation....we were free to just relax and enjoy the game.
As the game transpired, I felt confident the Giants would find a way to win. They would find a way to do the impossible. Until Randy Moss caught that touchdown with less than 3 minutes on the clock. My confidence waned, but there was still dumb foolish hope.
Little did I know I was about the witness the single greatest 2 minute drill in NFL history. Like every other Giant fan around the world, I couldn't believe what was unfolding before my eyes. And there it was, right in front of me.
Words cannot describe it.
Eli. Tyree. Plax.
Simply put, I was there for the beginning and now, here I was, for the end.
It was time to get into the tunnel. I was outside the Giants locker room and missed the post game activities on the field. Lt Col Gadson came by. I interviewed him. He was his usual modest self.
Then Steve Tisch came walking down the hall. I called out to him. Asked him about the game. He had the usual comments for a team owner who just watched his team make history. Then I said, "Mr. Tisch, every single Giants player feels that Greg Gadson is a member of this team. Will he get a Super Bowl ring like everyone else?" He replied, "That is a very cool idea." (I still have video)
Now, I don't if I was the first person to ask that question or if I was even the first person to ask Steve Tisch that question, but he acted like it was the first he heard of it.
When the team received their rings a few months later, Lt Col Greg Gadson, wounded warrior and inspirational co-captain for the 2008 NY Giants, received one as well.