I had the chance to meet Tittle almost 10 years ago the weekend before Superbowl XLII. He was signing autographs at a local sports memorabilia shop near my hometown and while I was talking to him about his career, a newsman approached and asked him if he thought the Giants stood a chance against the undefeated Patriots. Y.A. paused and his face got very serious. He looked back at the reporter and said "I don't know why everybody thinks New England will win. When the New York Giants play, there is so much TRADITION, so much HONOR. To represent the city of New York and the Mara family, I just think you play a little better than normal. The Tradition of the New York Football Giants goes way back, and that means an awful lot in big games."
The room went silent and I remember tearing up. I didn't talk about it all week but something in me just knew the Giants would win from that moment on, after the 80-year old legend responded with such emotion and certainty. Boy was he ever right.
Rest In Peace Y.A.