Q: How important was it for you to play in this game after a knee injury that you were dealing with last week?
A: It was very important for me to play in the season-ending game. It’s what you want to do. I’ve been a guy that if I’m on the injury list, I’m sick to my stomach because that’s not the guy that I am. I’ve been a guy who has been durable, who has fought through injuries. To be out here to play the last game was very important for me because this could be the last time I wear a Giants’ jersey and a helmet, or it could be the last time I play football in general. This was my last year on my contract and number one, to be blessed to have the opportunity that I can walk away on my own terms if I decide to, that’s huge. Not many guys in the NFL can do that. I’m proud and I’m honored to be a New York Giant and be here for over a decade. I’ve accomplished everything I could possibly dream of. In 2003, if any of you would have written that Dave Diehl, a fifth round draft pick out of Illinois, would start 160 games, play in 164 and tie Phil Simms for number 12 on the all-time playing list for the New York Giants, to win two Super Bowls, to be an All Pro, to play in the Pro Bowl, and win two Super Bowl rings, and win every single Giants’ award possible, I think if you guys would have written that in ’03, they would have said you’re crazy. I’ve got a lot to be proud of and, most importantly, I’ve earned everything. Nothing was given to me, I’ve never been a silver spoon guy. I’ve been a guy who is a blue collar guy who has worked and earned everything, so here in the next couple of weeks, I’ll spend some time with my daughter and enjoy the time and make the decision if this is my last game or not. I can walk away from this game, if that’s my decision, with my head held high. I’ve accomplished a lot of things on the football field, I’ve given every ounce of my body and heart and determination to the New York Giants. I’ve got these teammates, this organization, our fans, I’ve been honestly blessed to play for the best organization in the NFL. We’ll see here in the next two weeks, but I’ve come away with this game, walk out victorious, and to be out here with my teammates, that’s what it’s all about.
Way to go (out), David Diehl.
Instead, I'm wondering: Who are "silver spoon guys" in the NFL? Eli, I guess. (And no, I don't think DD meant to take a swipe at Eli.) Anyone else? Can you get to that level and stay there without working for it? You can be born rich. You can even be born famous. But you can't be born an elite athlete.
He's a Giant for life
Um, there's a little something called the BBI Giant of the Year Award that you never won, Dave.
Instead, I'm wondering: Who are "silver spoon guys" in the NFL? Eli, I guess. (And no, I don't think DD meant to take a swipe at Eli.) Anyone else? Can you get to that level and stay there without working for it? You can be born rich. You can even be born famous. But you can't be born an elite athlete.
Being an elite athlete is most certainly something you are born with.
Good luck, Dave, and thanks!
left tackle is being paid to be elite but wasn't this year and coming off injury.
DD, Snee and Baas should not be on the team next year.
Quote:
and the significance of the likely end of the career of an important Giant and major contributor to two championships.
Instead, I'm wondering: Who are "silver spoon guys" in the NFL? Eli, I guess. (And no, I don't think DD meant to take a swipe at Eli.) Anyone else? Can you get to that level and stay there without working for it? You can be born rich. You can even be born famous. But you can't be born an elite athlete.
Being an elite athlete is most certainly something you are born with.
It's time.
p.s.-- Of course you can be born an elite athlete. You have to work at it in order to maximize production, but Plaxico and Wheatley were certainly born elite athletes. And both Plaxico and Wheatley could've have much more productive careers had they worked as hard at their craft as guys like Jerry Rice and Tiki Barber did.
the Giants o-line during that 34? game record setting consecutive game streak was as good a line as I remember in all my years watching the Giants (so from the mid-80's to now) and one of the better lines in the league - without a 1st round pick and being built with a blend of draft picks (Snee, Diehl), free agents (McKenzie and O'Hara) and UDFA's - Seubert
Amen.
But this guy gave it his all. And that's all you can ask for.
Two rings, still relatively healthy, team on the decline. Probably a good idea to try something else.