Post-Game Transcript: Interim Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo

Interim Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo

Postgame vs. Washington Redskins, December 31, 2017

Opening Statement: Apologize first for being late, but it takes a long time to hug 80 some odd people – coaches and players, but it really felt good. Needless to say, really happy for our football team, the organization and the way we played today. I got to look at the film and all that, but it felt like Giants football. Ran the ball. Played good defense. Stopped them on third down. We probably would have liked to have converted a few more third downs ourselves, but I just so congratulate all the people involved. So happy. I appreciate them tremendously. I tried to convey that to everybody in there and it just feels really good. We’ve been chasing the feeling of being in a locker room on a Sunday or an NFL winning locker room. It feels special - all the work you put into it and it’s a week by week thing. But, the work you put in during the week is demanding. Our players, our coaches, they go through a lot. Our football staff. And, it’s rewarding. Prior to that, hadn’t been great, but this feels good and I think the organization can carry this into the next season.

Just to clarify one thing with our deactivations today. Ereck Flowers was deactivated because of an injury, OK? I know some other things were said out there, but he’s been fighting a groin all year long and just couldn’t do it this week. Having said that, I’ll open it up.

Q: How great has it been to see Rhett Ellison contribute over the past month?

A: Rhett is the kind of guy – I just told him when I hugged him – that I appreciate the value of players like him. I call them program guys. He’s not flashy, but he knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s a pro. Studies it. Gets out there, practices every day. The league has a ton of those guys around the league and he’s one of them and I think he’s very, very valuable for this football team. Made some good plays today.

Q: You waited on the field to hug Eli Manning.

A: I did.

Q: What was that moment like for you?

A: Well, it was for him. I did ask the camera guy, ‘Can you get a picture when I hug Eli?’ Because, you know, it’s a memory. It’s a memory. We’ve both been through a lot and none more than him with this season, but he never changed. I value that in people that can stay that balanced through ups and downs. He’s had the highest of highs and this was certainly very, very low, but he’s a tremendous competitor and I appreciate him greatly.

Q: There was a point when Eli Manning was waving to fans coming off the field. Do you think he might be thinking that this is his swan song?

A: I don’t know that. I don’t think Eli – you’d have to ask him. He’s a competitor. I believe he’s got some football left – a lot of football in him. He’s a competitor. Competitors – they last in this league. They’re all over the place, especially that position. And, you need them.

Q: The new season starts tomorrow. What’s next for you?

A: Well, it’s offseason now. The season is over and the organization has to get rolling. We’ll see what unwinds. We got the exit physicals tomorrow from eight to 12, got a team meeting at 12 o’clock. I know Dave (Gettleman) wants to address the team, which is what you do. We’ll lay out what we have to do going forward and then we’ll take it day by day.

Q: With the hiring of Dave Gettleman, was there extra motivation to start this era off well today?

A: It’s a great point, but it worked out that way, so that’s good. I’m not sure anyone was thinking like that. We were just chasing a win. Wanted to find a way to beat the Washington Redskins. We hadn’t had that feeling in a while and it feels good. Feels good.

Closing Statement: Can I do this? (My wife) Maria doesn’t watch these things or anything, but I want to thank her personally for her support.