Sunday Reading

Giants

Schwartz NYP: Giants finally have their shot to prove everyone wrong
https://nypost.com/2019/07/20/giants-finally-have-their-shot-to-prove-everyone-wrong/

Schwartz NYP: With a new season set to begin, here are five Giants to watch when training camp starts on Thursday:
https://nypost.com/2019/07/21/jabrill-peppers-must-prove-to-giants-who-he-really-is/

Leonard NYDN: Giants 2018 Film Review, Week 6: The silver linings in a blowout loss to Eagles
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-film-review-week-6-20190720-zomk5yw2yve2jk6wqtvzy7qdzi-story.html

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
7/20/19, 3:05 PM
Some notes on this Giants pre GiantsCamp depth chart prediction:
- I think Penny and Smith are competing for the same spot.
- I’m most intrigued by the OLinemen they will keep behind the big 6 (including Pulley who is a lock)
- interested to see how IDL and DB roster balance

QB

Willis NYP: Daniel Jones can immediately start validating Giants’ pick
https://nypost.com/2019/07/20/the-validation-of-daniel-jones-starts-now/

Defense

Lombardo NJ.com: Will Giants run defense be a strength or Achilles’ heel in 2019?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/07/will-giants-run-defense-be-a-strength-or-achilles-heel-in-2019.html

LB

Valentine BBV: Giants again seem to be trying to get by at linebacker
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/7/20/20699253/giants-again-seem-to-be-trying-to-get-by-at-linebacker

OLB

Valentine BBV: Giants’ 90-man roster: Can ‘X-Man’ ‘stamp out Giants’ need for a pass rusher?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/7/20/20698256/giants-90-man-roster-preview-oshane-ximines-old-dominion

ILB

Traina Football Maven: Training Camp Roster Preview: Josiah Tauaefa
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-josiah-tauaefa-pRbGziBVv0W0A-XN1a-KwQ/

CB

Traina Football Maven: Training Camp Roster Preview: Henre' Toliver
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-henre-toliver-B5fwKcut0UOOZuqkBhOLdA/

S

Traina Football Maven: Training Camp Roster Preview: Michael Thomas
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-michael-thomas-ZACwiB68XEOH1-PHFQ-OJA/

NFL

McBride Boston Globe: Sunday Football Notes:
John Hannah ideal choice to honor ex-teammate, good friend Leon Gray

“One leftover nugget from the conversation with John Hannah as he touched on how much bigger offensive linemen are now compared with his day. “Well, it’s a different game,’’ he said. “They don’t have to be quite as mobile as we did because of the way they run their offense. Their running game is not what I would call an attack-type offense. It’s more of a you-stay-with-your-man and the back finds a hole. Whereas when we played, we created holes.’’ . ..

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2019/07/20/john-hannah-ideal-choice-honor-teammate-good-friend-leon-gray/YRTuA5TDHJyN9HUjtZbvWK/story.html

Farrar USA Today: Touchdown Wire's training camp power rankings: Saints rule the roost

30. New York Giants

“We’ll give Giants general manager Dave Gettleman this much — the guy knows what he wants, and he has no trouble expressing it. He looked pretty smart when he took running back Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick in the 2018 draft, and Barkley proved to be a massive addition right away. But everything from the Odell Beckham Jr. trade to the selection of Duke quarterback Daniel Jones in the first round smacked of Gettleman’s most dangerous tendency — to talk himself into things that may or may not be true. In the short term, the Giants will pay for that on the field.”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/19/touchdown-wires-training-camp-power-rankings-saints-rule-the-roost/amp/#click=https://t.co/EH9fKXBQSH

BALTIMORE
Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley)
7/20/19, 11:59 AM
Ravens placed LG Alex Lewis on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Lewis, who has started 18 games over the last two seasons, had shoulder surgery in January and hasn't participated in any practices this offseason. Jermaine Elumunor has been working with first team

Shaffer Baltimore Sun: Ravens 2019 training camp preview: Defensive line
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-training-camp-defensive-line-preview-20190720-7e4g66nan5gvfmvzbaehcpdchi-story.html

BUFFALO
Carucci Buffalo News: Who will win out at punter for Bills?
https://buffalonews.com/2019/07/20/buffalo-bills-corey-bojorquez-cory-carter-nfl-football/

CAROLINA
Lichtenstein Sun Sentinel: Carolina Panthers RB Jordan Scarlett contributes to Roger Harriott’s fledgling Jamaican football league
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/football/broward/fl-sp-hs-scarlett-sta-jamaica-20190720-iy2xyc6oxjhj3kx6muie5hod74-story.html

CHICAGO
Finley Chicago Sun Times: ‘Truly obsessed’: Bears QB Mitch Trubisky wants to cross ultimate goal off list
https://chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/bears/2019/7/20/20700745/bears-mitch-trubisky-training-camp-2019-obsessed-matt-nagy-allen-robinson-tarik-cohen-goal

CLEVELAND
Lesmerises Cleveland Plain Dealer: Why Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert stand in the middle of everything for the Browns
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/8354ccb28e9085/why-christian-kirksey-and-joe-schobert-stand-in-the-middle-of-everything-for-the-browns-doug-lesmerises-3rd-short.html

DALLAS
Machota Dallas Morning News: 5 Training camp stories to follow as Cowboys try to end Super Bowl drought
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2019/07/20/5-training-campstorylines-follow-cowboys-try-end-super-bowl-drought

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos training camp rewind, Day 3: Four interceptions by defense
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/20/broncos-training-camp-2019-day-3/

Kiszla Denver Post: Why the real breakout star of Broncos camp is 60-year-old dude hiding his gut under a sweatshirt
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/20/vic-fangio-broncos-camp-kiszla/amp/#click=https://t.co/vS8KdCI03E

Legwold ESPN Denver: Shanahan joins first Broncos practice in 11 years
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27228630/shanahan-joins-first-broncos-practice-11-years?

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans tight end Jordan Thomas gaining confidence
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-tight-end-Jordan-Thomas-gaining-confidence-14108570.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Colts' offseason: 7 key steps for Indianapolis as team tries to go from good to great
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/1691399001

Walker Colts.com: 2019 Colts Training Camp Preview: Tight Ends
https://www.colts.com/news/2019-colts-training-camp-preview-tight-ends

KANSAS CITY
Pryor KC Star: Six pressing questions to be answered at Chiefs training camp
https://amp.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article232928987.html

Mellinger KC Star: Chris Jones’ push for a new contract and the Chiefs’ plan for the future
https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article232939522.html#storylink=mainstage_lead

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Sobleski B/R: Are the Los Angeles Rams, Sean McVay 1-Year Wonders?
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2846237-are-the-los-angeles-rams-sean-mcvay-1-year-wonders

Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle)
7/20/19, 1:35 PM
Still can't believe Todd Gurley only faced a loaded box (8+ defenders) on 19.6% of his rushes in 2018, the fourth-lowest mark among backs with 100+ carries on the year.

NFL avg. was 40%

LA's high usage of 11 personnel and effective play-action passing was such a game-changer

Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle)
7/20/19, 2:07 PM
Gurley also faced a loaded box on just 16.5% of his early-down rushes, an NFL-low among the 46 RBs with 100+ early-down attempts a year ago.

establish the pass to set up the run

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
7/20/19, 3:11 PM
I really hope the #Giants eventually can move in this direction. The more space back there for Barkley and Jones (eventually) to operate, the better.

MIAMI
Hyde Sun Sentinel: Will down be up? Bad be good? How to preview a Dolphins season unlike any other?
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-sunday-column-20190720-iw2cz5ihpbdq7d2cqg4crp47ay-story.html

Frenette Florida Times Union: Dolphins' Ford inspired by how teammate Norton handling ordeal
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20190720/gene-frenette-dolphins-ford-inspired-by-how-teammate-norton-handling-ordeal?

MINNESOTA
Scoggins Minn Star Tribune: Forget the betting odds, 2019 season is still pivotal for Vikings
http://m.startribune.com/forget-the-betting-odds-2019-football-season-is-still-pivotal-for-vikings/512997442/

NEW ENGLAND
Reiss ESPN Boston: Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
Opening of Patriots' camp will have Rodney Harrison-based theme

“Belichick's method for rookie jersey numbers: All rookies are expected to continue wearing nontraditional jersey numbers through the opening stretch of training camp, so those looking for first-round pick Harry shouldn't have a problem picking out No. 50 in the wide receiver drills. Harry, the physical, big-bodied wide receiver from Arizona State, has filled out the No. 50 well. Belichick has explained in the past that it is a reminder to all rookies, in part, of what should be truly important (not jersey numbers, what color gloves they wear, etc.). There is another benefit to the approach.
"It's all about communication. The No. 1 thing in football is communication," explained Michael Lombardi, who spent the 2014-2015 seasons in New England as an assistant to Belichick, when the club had rookies in numberless jerseys (which the NFL no longer allows). "How do you improve communication? Everyone talks to one another. When you don't know the number of the guy playing next to you, or you don't understand it, you're forced to talk. You're forced to know who he is.
"It was nearly impossible to watch tape when the players didn't have jersey numbers on them, because you had to figure out who each guy was. So it was really more of a hindrance on the coaches, but in the long run it proved to be worthwhile because it forced communication, which is ultimately what you have to do to be successful in football."

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4817790/opening-of-patriots-camp-will-have-rodney-harrison-based-theme?platform=amp#click=https://t.co/gji83lnx7A

Guregian Boston Herald: Julian Edelman teaching the Patriot Way as training camp nears
https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/07/20/julian-edelman-teaching-the-patriot-way-as-training-camp-nears/amp/

WEEI Boston: Ian Rapoport on D& K: Josh Gordon not in Patriots' plans right now
https://weei.radio.com/blogs/ryan-hannable/nfl-medias-ian-rapoport-josh-gordon-not-patriots-plans-right-now

NEW ORLEANS
Teope Nola.com: New Orleans Saints training camp: Bring on the pads, and let's evaluate a Super Bowl contender
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_8e4a2f08-aa91-11e9-b346-4f4426e775fd.amp.html

Sigler News Star: Seven Saints players who enter training camp managing injuries
https://amp.thenewsstar.com/amp/1787151001

NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: The Jets’ biggest change hasn’t even happened yet
https://nypost.com/2019/07/20/the-jets-biggest-change-hasnt-even-happened-yet/

Serby NYP: Sam Darnold is ready to be everything Jets envisioned
https://nypost.com/2019/07/20/all-signs-point-to-a-major-sam-darnold-leap/amp/

Costello NYP: The former reserves who could make or break the Jets’ season
https://nypost.com/2019/07/21/the-former-reserves-who-could-make-or-break-the-jets-season/amp/

OAKLAND
Gehlken LV Review Journal: HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ starts preparing for Raiders
https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/hbos-hard-knocks-starts-preparing-for-raiders-1807482/

Gehlken LV Review Journal: 5 Raiders who could attract ‘Hard Knocks’ attention
https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/5-raiders-who-could-attract-hard-knocks-attention-1807504/amp/

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp battles to watch
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-battles-watch/amp/#click=https://t.co/i6EoXRD0kW

Schaller Eagles.com: Alshon Jeffery wants to deliver 'another trophy' to Eagles fans
https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/alshon-jeffery-wants-to-deliver-another-trophy-to-eagles-fans

PITTSBURGH
Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers training camp preview: 5 positional battles to watch
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-training-camp-preview-5-positional-battles-to-watch/

Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers training camp preview: Breaking down the defense
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-training-camp-preview-breaking-down-the-defense/

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: The Seahawks have questions as training camp opens, we have some answers
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/the-seahawks-have-questions-as-training-camp-opens-we-have-some-answers/

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Bucs agree to terms with linebacker Devin White on eve that rookies report
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2019/07/20/bucs-agree-to-terms-with-linebacker-devin-white-on-eve-rookies-report/

CFL

McCormick London Free Press: Saskatchewan Roughriders come-from-behind to beat Lions 38-25
https://lfpress.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/saskatchewan-roughriders-come-from-behind-to-beat-lions-38-25/wcm/ffdfd1cf-87d9-4225-88bd-4732217b3c7d/amp

Colleges/Draft

Tuls The Draft Network: TULS' TAKES 3.0: EDGE PROSPECT WITH HIGHEST UPSIDE, CLEMSON CB READY TO BREAK OUT
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/tuls--takes-3.0--edge-prospect-with-highest-upside-clemson-cb-ready-to-break-out

DE
Crabbs The Draft Network: BUILDING THE PERFECT NFL DEFENSIVE END
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/building-the-perfect-nfl-defensive-end

Former Giants News

Ruiz Newsday: Sean Landeta glad to be part of introducing youths to football
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/giants-jets-1.34082818

History

Birkett Detroit Free Press: 20 years ago, Barry Sanders retired and 'all hell broke loose'
https://amp.freep.com/amp/1767989001

Gregorian KC Star: Overdue as it is, Johnny Robinson, 80, will enter Hall of Fame right on time
https://amp.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article232935207.html

Redskins.com: Redskins Memories: Sam Huff Signs With The Redskins
In 1964, Sam Huff signed with the Redskins and was awarded to wear the number 70 (Video)
https://www.redskins.com/video/redskins-memories-sam-huff-signs-with-the-redskins

Redskins.com: Redskins Memories: Brig Owens Scores On A 62-Yard Fumble Return
In 1966, Brig Owens, scored on a fumble recovery caused by a Chris Hanburger sack against the New York Giants (Video)
https://www.redskins.com/video/redskins-memories-brig-owens-scores-on-a-62-yard-fumble-return

Barker Baltimore Sun: Former Colt Bert Rechichar, who once held record for NFL’s longest field goal, dies

“Rechichar, primarily a defensive back, was with the Colts in 1953 when he was summoned to kick the first field goal of his career. It was successful from 56-yards away and erased a record set 19 years before by Glenn Presnell of the Detroit Lions.
The record lasted until Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints kicked a 63-yarder in 1970.”

https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-obit-rechichar-20190720-7jaanwt4o5dqjjilys2lnhotfa-story.html

Giants Birthdays 7-21

David Carr QB W-CAR 2008, W-SF 2011 NYG 2008-2009, 2011-2012 7-21-1979

Dan DePalma WR W-NYJ 2011 NYG PSQ 2011, NYG 2012 7-21-1989

Bob Hyland C/LG TR-CHI 1971 NYG 1971-1975
7-21-1945

Packers News: Flashback: No. 1 pick Bob Hyland was elated to join Packers (4-06-1977)

“Bob Hyland had no clue he was going to be selected in the first round by the reigning NFL champion Green Bay Packers in the 1967 NFL Draft.
Before the draft, the All-American center/guard from Boston College was courted mainly by the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears.
“Those were the main teams interested in me, and the Cowboys and 49ers were sending me their hometown newspapers,” Hyland said. “It was a recruiting tactic back then. Hometown newspapers were the big thing and (team coverage) created interest in the team.”
In this case, it was an effective method. Hyland grew up in White Plains, about 20 miles north of New York City, and he enjoyed reading the sports pages.
“My dad would bring home four to five newspapers every day from New York and I used to read them all: The Post, the Daily News, the Journal-American, the Herald-Tribune,” Hyland said. “Plus the local paper in White Plains. I grew up in Giants territory for both football and baseball and I was a big fan and read everything I could on all sports. Later in life I called my sports bars Bob Hyland’s Sports Page.”
Hyland was more than a bit surprised about his draft status when he returned to his dormitory after his 9 a.m. class on March 24, 1967.
“I had just got back from class and had three roommates and everyone was excited,” Hyland said. “Coach Lombardi was on the phone and he told me, ‘You’re now a Green Bay Packer.’
“It came out of left field. I was thrilled for two reasons: because the Packers were the defending champions and because of Coach Lombardi. I was excited to play for him because he was a Fordham guy and had a lot of success with the Giants and in Green Bay.”
While elated to be part of the Packers organization, Hyland had another immediate commitment.
“It was 11 a.m. in the morning and then I went to 11:30 a.m. class,” he said. “Now the draft is a tremendous event promoted big time by the NFL. It’s a gigantic day football fans focus on. Back in the 1960s, it was very low key. I was thrilled to be drafted, but had to get to my next class.”
Lombardi, with total command of the franchise as both head coach and general manager, moved up to snare Hyland, trading Tony Jeter and Lloyd Voss to Pittsburgh for the ninth-overall pick.
When Hyland arrived in Green Bay, he was again surprised. But he quickly embraced Wisconsin traditions like Friday night fish frys.
“When you come from the New York City area, you can hardly believe that such a small town could support such a successful NFL football team,” Hyland said with a chuckle. “At first, I was taken back by such a small town-atmosphere. But I have to admit I liked it. Green Bay was similar to where I grew up.
“It had everything I needed: a football team, good restaurants, and friendly people. I learned about fish frys, Bob Long’s Pizza Hut, Fuzzy Thurston’s Left Guard, and Bob’s Big Boy.”
Hyland also learned about Lombardi the negotiator when it came time to signing his contract.
“With the (impending) merger of the NFL an AFL, the salaries and bonuses were reduced —and Lombardi did not like agents,” he said with a laugh. “We met in Chicago and he was a tough negotiator and had the leverage. He called me the Boston Muscle Head because I lifted weights — and Coach Lombardi never forgot that I brought in an agent.”
Hyland believed in weightlifting before it was popular among NFL players.
“It was a different era,” the 6-foot-5 offensive lineman said. “Only a few of us lifted after practice (linebacker Jim Flanigan and guard Gale Gillingham). “If you had a little fat hanging over your belt coach Lombardi thought you were out of shape. I carried the weight well, but he’d see me lifting weights after practice and was concerned about me, the Boston Muscle Head. He didn’t realize this was the new trend.
“To me, it was like the arms race. I had to keep up with it because the guy across from me was lifting and players were getting stronger all the time. I was listed at 255 pounds, but I was about 267. We had tough practices at Boston College, but training camp under Lombardi was grueling. We were never going to lose a football game because we were out of shape.”
Hyland also quickly learned that Lombardi, his teammates, and Green Bay fan had high expectations.
“It was something, coming in and playing with the first Super Bowl champions: Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer, Forrest Gregg, Ray Nitschke, Willie Davis, all these future hall of famers,” Hyland said. “We had so many great leaders on that team. Bart was such a stabilizing force, a quiet leader. We had a lot of talent and it was gut-check time for me. The guys told me, ‘We win championships here, and you’re going to help us to that.’ I definitely felt the pressure as a first-rounder.”
Hyland was drafted to be Green Bay’s center of the future and was one of the larger linemen of his era. Ken Bowman was the incumbent at the position, but the promising rookie took over as the starter at midseason. “Bob was bright, aware, physical and had the whole package,” Kramer said.
“We had a pretty tight-knit group in the offensive line,” Hyland said. “Kenny Bowman wasn’t happy, but he was supportive. Bob Skoronski was our captain and Jerry Kramer was a vocal leader. I was surrounded by great talent.”
For Hyland, there was one challenge: his position coach, Ray Wietecha.
“Ray and I never got along,” Hyland said. “From Day 1. And he never felt comfortable starting rookies.”
Hyland started the last six games of the regular season and played extensively in the Western Conference Championship contest, a 28-7 rout of the Los Angeles Rams in Milwaukee, and in the famed Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field the following week.
“Wietecha convinced Lombardi to start Bowman in the Ice Bowl and the Super Bowl,” Hyland said. “He wanted a vet in there. So I have mixed emotions. I was glad we won, but I wish I could have started those games.”
Every Packer who played in the Ice Bowl has the brutal conditions etched in their memories, but Hyland had a unique story to share.
“Remember, they didn’t have the advanced weather warnings and radar of today,” he said. “I was at the stadium when the Cowboys bus came in for practice on Saturday. I was a 22-year-old, still in awe of NFL players like Bob Lilly, so I snuck into Lambeau to watch the Cowboys practice. It was 28 degrees or so and decent. The next day, well, was something else.
“When I heard the temperature Sunday morning in my little apartment, I called the stadium and they said, ‘Come out, we’re playing.’ I couldn’t believe it. I was used to the cold in New York, but nothing like the weather patterns that came together that day for the Ice Bowl.”
Green Bay defeated Dallas, 21-17, with a Kramer-Bowman combination block the key to Starr’s dramatic game-winning sneak in the south end zone.
Hyland was practicing with the first-team unit all week leading up to Super Bowl II against the Oakland Raiders in Miami.
After a bobbled exchange near the end of practice on Friday/Saturday, Lombardi inserted Bowman with the starters. “Wietecha was in Lombardi’s ear I’m sure,” he said. Hyland was the long snapper in Super Bowl II, which was Lombardi’s final game as head coach in Green Bay.
Under Phil Bengtson, Hyland could not unseat Bowman at center or rookie Bill Lueck at guard. He was traded after the 1969 season and spent 1970 with the Bears before returning home to play for the Giants from 1971-’75 as a guard. Ironically, the Giants hired Wietecha in 1972 and Hyland was again relegated to a backup role for two seasons before earning a starting job in 1974-’75.
In 1976, he returned to Green Bay for one season under Starr.
“I went back to the Packers and enjoyed the 1976 season playing for Bart, even though we were not very successful (5-9),” he said.
Hyland finished his career with one final season in New England.
Hyland will also be remembered by Green Bay fans for one play against the Packers when he was a Giant. In the 1971 season-opener in Green Bay — a wild 42-40 New York victory— Hyland assisted on a tackle after a Doug Hart interception and ended up sliding on the sloppy field into the Packers’ sideline. He broke the leg of Dan Devine in his head coaching debut in Green Bay.
“I felt awful, in his first game,” Hyland said. “I just made the tackle and went on my way. After the game, reporters were asking me about Devine and I felt terrible.
“When I got back to New York, I got a telegram from Devine saying it wasn’t my fault. He said that refs have been telling him for years to stand back. Devine came to White Plains a few years later to speak and he asked, ‘Where’s Hyland? He broke my leg.’ He had a sense of humor about it.”
After his NFL career, Hyland returned to his roots. He and his wife, Liz, (married 41 years) have four children and settled in White Plains...”

https://amp.packersnews.com/amp/100109148

NYT: GIANTS GET M'RAE, HYLAND OF BEARS IN MOVE FOR HELP (9-14-1971)

“The New York Giants acquired two players they ex pect to use as starters by trading their No. 1 draft choice for 1972 to the Chicago Bears yesterday.
Bob Hyland, a center who shared in Green Bay's Super Bowl triumph as a rookie in 1967 and who moved on to the Bears last year, will probably be an offensive tackle for the Giants. He can also play guard. He's a 6 foot 5 inch 250 pounder who has played 56 straight Na tional Football League games.
Bennie McRae, a Bear for nine seasons (but a holdout throughout this training season), is intended to be the left cornerback, as he was for nine years in Chicago. He missed only one game in that time, and has a career total of 27 interceptions.
The new men, who will report to the Giant camp at C. W. Post College today, will set off a chain reaction of per sonnel changes.
there will be con siderable shuffling of positions among the players kept. For example, if Hyland plays right tackle, Charlie Harper” can go back to right guard, a position some of the Giants think he plays more effectively. And the departure of some of the un identified players will mean new assignments for those who re main.
Hyland must also be thought of as a successor to Greg Larson, who is in his 11th season as the Giant center. In any case, Hyland's presence will free Pat Hughes from the necessity of being No. 2 center and make possible his use (now or later) as a linebacker. This is a move the coaches wanted to make before training began.
Hyland is a product of Stepinac High School in White Plains and Boston College. He was the No. 1 draft pick of the Packers in 1967. McRae, a Virginian who played college foot ball at Michigan, was the No pick of the Bears in 1962.
That the Giants could get such experienced players in exchange for their first draft pick is a reflection of how poor an exhibition season they had.
Just how bad the Giant pre season record was deserves mention: it was, officially, the worst among the 26 teams. Only one other team, New Orleans, lost all its games.”

https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/14/archives/giants-get-mrae-hyland-of-bears-in-move-for-help-first-new-york.html


LoHud Journal: White Plains: Last Super Bowl for Bob Hyland's Sports Page (2-03-2017)

“Hyland played on the offensive line in college and the pros. His job was to block and make sure no one hits the quarterback — not catch passes. But check his stats on the back of his football card, and you'll see a 16-yard reception with the Giants in 1973.
"That's a funny story," he said. He re-enacted the play, saying then-Giants quarterback Randy Johnson looked at the first three receiving options before he finally threw Hyland the ball.
"I spun away from one guy, and I saw these two little defensive backs coming at me but I didn't want to drop the ball," he said. "So I held it tight and put my head down and got tackled at the 1-yard line. I came that close to a touchdown."

https://amp.lohud.com/amp/97444238

Larry Mallory S FA-MEM WFL 1976 NYG 1976-1978 7-21-1952

NYT: Giants Beat Redskins, 12& #8208;9, on Danelo's 50& #8208;Yarder for First Victory (11-15-1976)

“High Snaps for Sharp Kicker
All last season, Ralph Hill, the center, and Larry Mallory, the holder, worked for McVay at Memphis of the World Football League. Hill, who played for the injured Karl Chandler again, had a couple of high snaps earlier in the game, but Mallory managed to get them down in time.
“They weren't necessarily on the mark,” said Mallory, “but they weren't necessarily high either. But wherever they are, they're sharp.”
Hill snapped, Mallory held, and Danelo, whose longest previous N.F.L. kick was 48 yards, aimed the ball to the left because the 10 mile an hour wind was to the right. The kick cleared the crossbar easily, right between the goal posts.
And so George Allen, who had beaten the Giants 14 straight times, including three when he was coaching the Los Angeles Rams, saw his team's won lost record drop to 6 and 4 and its playoff chances impaired.
“He was overdue,” said Gregory, the Giants' defensive captain. “I told a Washington reporter yesterday it would happen and I've never said anything like that in 10 years in the league.”
For the record, the Giants are 1 and 9 for the season, Tampa Bay is now the only N.F.L. team without a victory and John McVay is 1 and 0 against George Allen.”

https://www.nytimes.com/1976/11/15/archives/giants-beat-redskins-129-on-danelos-50yarder-for-first-victory.html

After his Giants career Mallory became an advocate for youths playing flag football.

“Children of all sizes can participate and enjoy the benefits of making friends, improving physical fitness and being a part of a team. The rules are designed to keep children playing every year. In fact, flag football is the fastest growing youth sport, increasing 8.7% in 2015 for children under 14!!

As a former NFL player who knows the risks of taking 1000s of hits over my career, it's my love for the game that motivates me to encourage children to play flag football under 14...”

http://www.facesofcte.com/flaguntil14.html

In Memoriam

Herb Hannah RT D6-Alabama 1951 NYG 1951 Born 7-21-1921 Died 3-28-2007

“Herb Hannah never had anything in life handed to him. He worked hard for everything he got. That legacy of hard work and perseverance not only served him well, but it also served as a roadmap for his sons, who went on to follow in their father's footsteps at the University of Alabama and in the NFL.
“Dad always worked really hard and had a deep sense of responsibility to take care of people,” his son, Hall of Fame offensive lineman John Hannah, said. “That was a big influence in all of our lives as kids. He never complained. If we got beat, he'd help us, but if we ever loafed or took it easy, he came down on us pretty hard. Trying was No. 1 with him, giving it all you had.”

That attitude is what took Herb Hannah from the fields of West Limestone, where he played 6-man football for West Limestone High School in 1941 and 1942 while also serving as captain of the Wildcats basketball team, to the United States Naval Academy, which he joined in 1942 and served for six years.
He then enrolled at Alabama as a 26-year-old freshman and played on the offensive line for the Crimson Tide during the 1947-1950 seasons before playing one season in the NFL for the New York Giants.
John Hannah said his father was originally planning to attend Clemson University, but the promise of an extra meal is what sent him to Alabama.
“Dad befriended a guy in the Navy named Rock McCants from South Carolina, and he kept talking to Dad about going to college, and Dad finally said he would go and asked him where he should go,” John Hannah said. “Rock said Dad should go with him to Clemson. So when he got out of the Navy, he went to Clemson, he told them he had half a VA scholarship, and if they gave him half a scholarship to play football along with a room to stay in and three meals a day, he'd like to play football there. Well, they said they had half a scholarship and a room for him but could only give him two meals a day.”
Herb Hannah then turned to the coach of his military football team, Hank Crisp, who was at that time coaching at Alabama.
“Hank had told Dad to look him up when he got out of the service, and so Dad went down to see Hank Crisp and told him the same thing he told Clemson. Hank wound up signing him, and since then four more Hannahs went to the University of Alabama behind my dad.”
John, Charley and David Hannah, each a son of Herb, played at Alabama. So did his brother Bill.
Tom Calvin, who roomed with Herb Hannah at Alabama, said he was a great player and great person to room with.
“We had a good time and a good year,” Calvin said. “Herb Hannah was a heck of a good lineman at Alabama and was just a good guy.”

Herb Hannah, who died in 2007 at age 85, certainly left a football legacy at Alabama, but the personal legacy is something that stood out to his son.
“People never gave him anything. They just gave him a chance,” John Hannah said. “That's what he preached. People give you the opportunity, but you earn what you get.”

https://www.enewscourier.com/sports/local_sports/herb-hannah-leaves-strong-legacy/article_c368c676-699d-11e8-9787-83a714deb3bf.html

“Limestone County native Herb Hannah is one of approximately 325 former University of Alabama football players who participated in World War II featured in a book recently published by the Paul W. Bryant Museum at the University of Alabama.& #8232;
The book, titled "When Winning Was Everything," was written by award-winning journalist and author Delbert Reed and includes detailed exploits of approximately 60 of the former players and coaches, including Hannah, who served as a Navy dive bomber pilot in search of German submarines along the East Coast of the U.S. during wartime before attending the University.& #8232;& #8232;Hannah played football at Alabama 1947-50 and went on to play a year of professional football with the New York Giants as the oldest NFL rookie ever at age 30 in 1951. Hannah's son John, Charles and David also played football at Alabama.”

Larry Hayes LB/C UDFA-Vanderbilt 1961 NYG 1961 Born 7-21-1935 Died 6-15-2017

Hayes played collegiately at Vanderbilt and spent 5 seasons in the CFL with Ottawa before coming to the NFL with the Giants in 1961.

In the Giants then earliest home opener ever vs the St. Louis Cardinals, Hayes blocked a end zone punt and recovered it for the Giants only score in a 21-10 loss. He also recovered a fumble by the Cowboys Don Perkins on a kickoff return that set up a score, a bright spot in a stunning loss to Dallas. As the season progressed and the Giants fortunes improved, Hayes contributions on special teams were important to the Giants. He was a spirited performer continually exchanging "swings and pushes" vs the Eagles in a key Giants victory.

Following the 1961 season Hayes was sent to the Rams where he played two more seasons

11-29-1961

UP: “Larry Hayes, rugged 6-foot-2 linebacker from Vanderbilt, was recommended to the New York Giants by Phil King, another ex- Vanderbilt star.”