Giants
Slater NJ.com: Giants depth chart breakdown, as training camp concludes and roster cuts loom | Who starts at cornerback, right tackle, linebacker?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/08/giants-depth-chart-breakdown-as-training-camp-concludes-and-roster-cuts-loom-who-starts-at-cornerback-right-tackle-linebacker.html
Lombardo NJ.com: Giants 53 man roster prediction | Did Wayne Gallman win a job with strong scrimmage performance? Any surprise cuts?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/08/giants-53-man-roster-prediction-did-wayne-gallman-win-a-job-with-strong-scrimmage-performance-any-surprise-cuts.html
Rock Newsday: Giants begin evaluating roster with 53-man due in a week
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-53-man-roster-trim-training-camp-1.48769483
Dunleavy NYP: Giants surprisingly cut rookie Javon Leake with 53-man roster due soon
https://nypost.com/2020/08/31/giants-cut-rookie-running-back-javon-leake-with-53-man-roster-due-soon/
Stapleton The Record: Has the music started again for the offseason dance between NYG and Logan Ryan, real or imagined? Plus some of Joe Judge's scrimmage takeaways, including Blake Martinez's return and praise for Nick Gates:
Giants and Browns have both lost promising rookie safeties. Logan Ryan has switched agents and remains on the market. Makes sense in either spot, and NYG sure could use his presence and versatility in the secondary. Expect them to engage and see what’s up
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/08/30/ny-giants-could-logan-ryan-play-again-xavier-mckinney-out/5662219002/
Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: Giants did 90 minutes in shorts and helmets on Sunday coming off their scrimmage. Light work. Most notable is that they are relatively healthy. No new injuries. LB Blake Martinez returned after a few days away from camp. TE Evan Engram practiced. CB Darnay Holmes (lower) is fine.
Did not practice:
S Xavier McKinney (foot)
LB David Mayo (knee)
DB Jawuarius Andrews
TE Rysen John
Pat Leonard NYDN: Observations watching the NBC telecast of Friday’s Giants scrimmage:
1. Shane Lemieux drove Markus Golden off the ground at one point while clearing way for Wayne Gallman’s TD
2. The telecast only shows a close angle shot of the line of scrimmage pre-snap. It only goes to normal wide angle view of the field mid-play. Giants concealing formations/pre-snap looks.
3. Shaun O’Hara makes important point mid-game on telecast: the sacks are partially on the O tackles (and TE Levine Toiliolo in one of Carter’s sacks), but it’s also on Daniel Jones to know when to step up in the pocket. Jones admitted the same thing after the game.
4. Joe Judge already getting bleeped out on the sideline on the broadcast. Midseason form.
5. Dave Gettleman did a halftime interview. He has not spoken on the record since April.
6. Kyler Fackrell had a sack beating Matt Peart on a twist. Play continued on Friday.
7. When Nick Gates wasn’t on with the ones, Tyler Haycraft (rookie out of Louisville) basically played the entire game at center.
8. Great Coach-QB exchange. Joe Judge to Daniel Jones: “Hey. I liked just about 99% of everything we did in the first half. What didn’t I like?”
Jones: “The fumble.”
Judge: “The fumble on the slide and the fumble with the ball swinging (in the pocket), right? Keep it tight ...
Judge to Jones cont’d: “Have that clock in your head. You know when they’re collapsing on you, right? Step up. A sack ain’t the worst thing in the world. We don’t want it. But just watch holding the thing too long cuz they’re swatting at ya every time, alright?”
It did appear live on Friday that the ball may have come lose when Jones scrambled and slid, but it wasn’t clear. Judge confirming here that it did. Two fumbles on the night from Jones.
9. Punter Riley Dixon: Boomin’
10. CB Prince Smith Jr. made a nice third down tackle late on Derrick Dillon to end a drive when score was tight.
Dan Duggan The Athletic NY: Been with the Giants since 2017. Highly regarded in role as director of performance nutrition
Pratik Patel:
I made a decision a month ago that I'd been thinking about for quite some time. Tomorrow is my last day with the Giants.
WR
Dunleavy NYP: Giants receiver making noise was once a quarterback prodigy
https://nypost.com/2020/08/30/giants-receiver-david-sills-was-once-a-quarterback-prodigy/amp/
Stapleton The Record: NY Giants: Why David Sills is a sleeper to watch at wide receiver - it's a matter of trust
https://amp.app.com/amp/5677588002
OL
Art Stapleton The Record: Joe Judge with some praise for Nick Gates overall at center. Hat tips for the physicality of Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler in the scrimmage as well.
Two younger guys mentioned outside of usual suspects: Shane Lemieux and Tyler Haycraft
Dan Duggan The Athletic NY: Lemieux has lived up to his “nasty” reputation. No role for him this year but could see him as the replacement for Zeitler down the line. Zeitler has a $14.5M cap hit in 2021, which is the final year of his contract
OLB
Stapleton The Record: NY Giants rookie Carter Coughlin out to prove he can do 'a lot more than tackle people'
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/08/31/carter-coughlin-ny-giants-rookie-fueled-mission-football-justice/5675393002/
Rock Newsday: Giants rookie linebacker Carter Coughlin self imposes laps to curtail mistakes on field
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/giants/carter-coughlin-giants-linebacker-laps-1.48765102
Rock Newsday: Giants rookie Carter Coughlin discusses joining his Black teammates in movement for social justice
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/carter-coughlin-giants-minneapolis-social-justice-nfl-1.48770093
NFL
King FMIA: The NFL’s Surprise Team Of ’19 Doesn’t Plan To Be One-Year Wonder
- Why fan-less games will sound normal on TV
- What the 2020 helmet looks like
- The last moment of the NE dynasty
- Meet Arthur Smith
- Very new normal for the refs
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/08/30/titans-training-camp-nfl-fmia-peter-king/
Breer MMQB: How Tom Brady is Already Getting the Most Out of His Teammates in Tampa
Tom Brady's training camp in Tampa: high standards, encouraging words and a players-only meeting. Here's how he is leading his new team. Plus, how football took a back seat to social justice issues this week, Yannick Ngakoue's move to Minnesota, recapping Albert's camp trip and much more.
Names to watch:
“Giants: TE Evan Engram. It’s not breaking any news to say Engram’s got a boatload of ability. Everyone knows that. Everyone also knows that injuries have been a problem. But what was interesting to me was just how dominant he was in practice the day I was there, and how he’s fit into new coach Joe Judge’s program. In the former first-round pick, the staff has found a worker, and a very football-intelligent player, which is exactly what they’re looking for across the board.”
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/08/31/tom-brady-leading-new-teammates-social-justice-yannick-ngakoue
Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: Preseason power rankings based on Football Outsiders' DVOA projections
27. New York Giants
“The FO crew are not big believers in Daniel Jones, and given his splits by dropback, it’s easy to see why. On 0-1-step drops, Jones led the league with 7.4 yards per attempt. On three-step drops, that went down to 6.3 yards per attempt, and Jones’ touchdown rate dropped while his interception rate rose. On five-step drops, Jones managed just 5.5 YPAand an anemic touchdown rate of 1.9%. Not good. The Giants are projected to have an overall DVOA of -8.8%, with 7.0 Average Wins.”
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/preseason-power-rankings-based-on-football-outsiders-dvoa-projections/
Barnwell ESPN: 20 contenders for the 2020 NFL season, 20 big weaknesses: Ranking the Achilles' heels
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29772260/20-contenders-2020-nfl-season-20-big-weaknesses-ranking-achilles-heels?
ARIZONA
Odegard Cardinals.com: Friendship Leads To Reunion For Dre Kirkpatrick
Notes: Kentrell Brice injury not as serious as feared; Kingsbury won't seek inside info
https://www.azcardinals.com/news/friendship-leads-to-reunion-for-dre-kirkpatrick
ATLANTA
Tabeek Falcons.com: Falcons reportedly work out five players, including three quarterbacks
Quarterback Kyle Lauletta
https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-reportedly-work-out-five-players-including-three-quarterbacks
BALTIMORE
Oyefusi Baltimore Sun: Final Ravens 53-man roster projection: 2019 draft pick gets cut, undrafted rookie streak continues
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-final-ravens-53-man-roster-projection-undrafted-rookie-20200831-eciwapvlffcilhky3cde24hx7y-story.html
BUFFALO
Carucci Buffalo News: Bills' 'leap of faith' in going with rookie Tyler Bass rooted in trust
https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/bills-leap-of-faith-in-going-with-rookie-tyler-bass-rooted-in-trust/article_29554864-eaf8-11ea-8978-7728002a561e.html
CAROLINA
Edholm Yahoo Sports: Teddy Bridgewater expresses gratitude for his devastating knee injury four years ago
https://sports.yahoo.com/teddy-bridgewater-expresses-gratitude-for-his-devastating-knee-injury-four-years-ago-152708443.html
CINCINNATI
Makdook CincyJungle: Joe Burrow shines in game-like scrimmage
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2020/8/31/21408100/bengals-joe-burrow-training-camp-scrimmage-2020-nfl-news
CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: What happened at Browns training camp Aug. 30th: Case Keenum throws 2 TD passes in the scrimmage, players make a statement, and more
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/08/what-happened-at-browns-training-camp-aug-30th-case-keenum-throws-2-td-passes-in-the-scrimmage-players-make-a-statement-and-more.html
DALLAS
Moore Dallas Morning News: No names, numbers, or spilled secrets: Element of surprise remains intact for Cowboys after televised scrimmage
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/08/30/no-names-numbers-or-spilled-secrets-element-of-surprise-remains-intact-for-cowboys-after-televised-scrimmage/
Todd Archer ESPN Dallas: In a normal game, Mike McCarthy said there is an average of 68 plays for the offense and defense and another 22 on special teams over three hours, 15 minutes. In 90 minutes of 11 of 11 drills Sunday, the Cowboys had 79 plays on offense and defense and another 16 snaps on special teams. “I thought the stress of the conditioning and the communication was excellent for our team,” McCarthy said. “We’re at the point of camp where we really need to hit that target.”
DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos Insider: Several issues for Vic Fangio and Co., to address during final week of camp
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/08/30/broncos-insider-several-issues-for-vic-fangio-and-co-to-address-during-final-week-of-camp/
O’Halloran Denver Post: NFL Journal: Broncos tight end Nick Vannett wants to be more than just blocker
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/08/30/nick-vannett-broncos-tight-end-nfl-journal/
DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: With murderers' row of receivers to start season, will Lions CB Jeff Okudah be ready Week 1?
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/08/30/detroit-lions-jeff-okudah-starting-lineup-week-1/5674403002/
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions punting battle may go to wire. Here's where it stands
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/08/31/detroit-lions-punter-jack-fox-arryn-siposs/5674869002/
HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' Bill O'Brien reflects one year after Laremy Tunsil, Jadeveon Clowney trades
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-Bill-OBrien-Laremy-Tunsil-Clowney-trade-15525518.php
Aaron Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' Zach Cunningham has $23.5 million fully guaranteed and $32.5 million guaranteed for injury. Average per year of $14.5 million ranks third among ILBs behind Bobby Wagner, C.J. Mosley ($17 million) and ahead of Deion Jones and Myles Jack, $14.25 million each
JACKSONVILLE
DiRocco ESPN Jacksonville: Jaguars stockpiling picks, but will GM Dave Caldwell and coach Doug Marrone make them?
https://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/28456/jaguars-stockpiling-picks-but-will-dave-caldwell-and-doug-marrone-be-around-to-make-them?
Michael DiRocco ESPN Jacksonville: The Jaguars have waived RB Leonard Fournette, per league source. Fournette was in the final year of his contract.
Jaguars coach Doug Marrone says Leonard Fournette's release is all about what he's seen on field during camp -- not locker room issues. He feels like group of backs behind Fournette can give team better chance to win. Doing it now gives them chance to get rotation figured out.
Adam Schefter ESPN: Jaguars did all they could to trade RB Leonard Fournette in the spring and then again this summer. But as Jaguars’ HC Doug Marrone said today: "We couldn't get anything, a fifth, a sixth, anything. We couldn't get anything."
MG NFL.com: The Jaguars had an idea for what their offensive philosophy would be when Tom Coughlin came in shortly before they drafted Leonard Fournette. He didn’t fit as well with their current offensive plans.
Bucky Brooks NFL.com: Great point. The Jaguars ex-RB skills didn’t match the scheme that’s best suited for the team’s QB1. Fournrtte needs to be a feature back in an old school, downhill system. JAX won’t play that way with Gruden/Minshew. More spread and shred instead of smash-mouth
The QB/RB marriage is rarely discussed but their games should complement each other. Downhill runner/play-action passer or Scatback/quick-rhythm passer... It’s too hard to build separate offenses to help each thrive. Great offenses fit together like a puzzle.
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars trading Yannick Ngakoue to Vikings for two draft picks
https://amp.jacksonville.com/amp/5673478002
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Miller LA Times: Chargers’ Derwin James reportedly has meniscus injury, could miss significant time
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-08-30/chargers-safety-derwin-james-leaves-scrimmage-hamstring-injury?
MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings move speedy rookie Dan Chisena from wide receiver to safety
https://www.twincities.com/2020/08/30/vikings-move-speedy-rookie-dan-chisena-from-wide-receiver-to-safety/
Clark The Ringer: The Vikings, Kings of Continuity, Add Yannick Ngakoue to Their Arsenal
https://www.theringer.com/2020/8/31/21408281/minnesota-vikings-yannick-ngakoue-nfl
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings star DE Danielle Hunter misses 12th straight practice due to injury
https://www.twincities.com/2020/08/30/vikings-star-de-danielle-hunter-misses-12th-straight-practice-due-to-injury/amp/
NEW ENGLAND
McBride Boston Globe: Sunday’s Patriots training camp report: Joejuan Williams among the shining stars
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/30/sports/sundays-patriots-training-camp-report-joejuan-williams-among-shining-stars/
Callahan Boston Herald: Patriots training camp 2020: Mohamed Sanu flashes, kicking competition all but over
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/30/patriots-training-camp-2020-mohamed-sanu-flashes-kicking-competition-all-but-over/amp/
NEW YORK JETS
McDonald NYDN: Jets get first no-fans test run at MetLife
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-no-fans-scrimmage-metlife-20200830-uvtxce6elfgpbbuwg45udtaiki-story.html
Cimini ESPN NY: Jets void Kalen Ballage deal, lose La'Mical Perine to injury
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29774238/jets-void-kalen-ballage-deal-lose-lamical-perine-injury?
PHILADELPHIA
McLane Phil Inquirer: Eagles practice observations: John Hightower moving up; Nate Gerry solidifying spot; Rasul Douglas hanging on
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-john-hightower-nate-gerry-rasul-douglas-training-camp-20200830.html
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles practice notes, Day 12: Josh Sweat, the new Lawrence Taylor?
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-practice-notes-day-12-josh-sweat-new-lawrence-taylor/
Smith Phil Inquirer: Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie notices ‘sea change’ in NFL owners addressing systemic racism, criticizes nation’s response to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-jeffrey-lurie-nfl-owners-coronavirus-colin-kaepernick-20200830.html
Domowitch Phil Inquirer: Where the Eagles need to improve | Early Birds
https://www.inquirer.com/newsletters/eagles/eagles-scrimmage-jalen-reagor-11-touchdowns-wide-receivers-fletcher-cox-sacks-carson-wentz-fumbles-takeaways-jim-schwartz-20200831.html
PITTSBURGH
Benz Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers lineman Stefen Wisniewski deserves praise for his team-first approach
https://triblive.com/sports/tim-benz-steelers-lineman-stefen-wisniewski-deserves-praise-for-his-team-first-approach/
SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Jordan Reed considered retiring after seventh documented concussion
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Jordan-Reed-considered-retiring-after-15525927.php
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street has latest show of strength
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Kenatvius-Street-has-latest-show-of-15526156.php
SEATTLE
Brady Henderson ESPN Seattle: Marquise Blair was again a standout of the Seahawks' scrimmage. Difference today was his highlight plays came against Russell Wilson, not backup QBs, as Seattle went 1s vs. 1s. One play was Blair running deep down field step for step with DK Metcalf to help force an incompletion.
Pete Carroll said Blair has been "probably the brightest surprise of camp." They didn't know how he would cover at nickelback having played only safety before, "but he’s got great quick feet and great feel for routes and he covers people as tight as anybody we have on our team."
WASHINGTON
John Keim ESPN Washington: Washington FT rewind:
More intense comp in practice. sorting out last few roster spots. Put 2s/3s vs 1s
Allen leaves after tweaking knee. Hung around. walked on own to locker room after practice. Rivera: don’t think it was serious.
Gibson a lot of run with the 1s
DH good finish
Fortier Washington Post: There are “probably seven, maybe eight” roster spots up for grabs, Washington Coach Ron Rivera said.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/08/30/with-tough-decisions-ahead-washington-holds-competitive-practice/
Colleges/Draft
Edwards CBS Sports.com: 2021 NFL Draft: Georgia quarterback headlines list of transfers who could lift their stock this fall
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-georgia-quarterback-headlines-list-of-transfers-who-could-lift-their-stock-this-fall/amp/
RB
Munz Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis preseason All-American running back Kenneth Gainwell opts out of 2020 season, father says
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2020/08/30/memphis-football-kenneth-gainwell-opts-out-2020-season/5675699002/
OLB
Rang SI.com: Given hand dealt, I don't blame UW's Joe Tryon for making the NFL jump. His potential could land him a top 50 pick. But, make no mistake, teams would be gambling on that upside. Vast majority of his career production (14.5 TFL, nine sacks) came in 4 games (WSU twice, OSU & Utah).
History
Giants Birthdays 8-31
Allen Bradford LB W-SEA 2013 NYG 2013 8-31-1988
Ed Jenkins RB TR-MIA 1974 NYG 1974 8-31-1950
Holy Cross: From Football Field to Courtroom, Eddie Jenkins ’72 a Trailblazer (2-20-2012)
“There comes a time in everyone’s life, says Eddie Jenkins ’72, when you have the opportunity to make a stand in the service of society. Jenkins made such a stand in 1968 when he joined a group of black students to attend Holy Cross. They were not the first African-Americans on the Hill, but as a group, they began breaking down the racial barriers that had separated white students from a handful of blacks on campus.
“You have to recognize that it’s your moment,” says Jenkins, 61, chief diversity and civil rights officer at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. “Martin Luther King did his part. Students put themselves on the line at Jackson State. It was our chance to stand up for what was right.”
Jenkins, who lives in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, was among five black students profiled in Diane Brady’s new book, “Fraternity,” which chronicles their lives at Holy Cross in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book highlights how the mentorship of Rev. John Brooks, S.J., ’49, who later served as the college’s president, helped them persevere in their undergraduate careers, and beyond.
FOOTBALL SUCCESS
Jenkins’ success running the football for Holy Cross caught the attention of pro scouts, and he was drafted into the National Football League, where he played for three seasons. His prowess in the classroom, meanwhile, led him to law school, and a legal career in both the public and private sector.
In his first NFL season, Jenkins played on the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins team and has a Super Bowl ring with 17 diamonds to prove it. Jenkins, who also suited up for the New York Giants, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, was in Indianapolis at Super Bowl XLVI, rooting for New England. He and his wife, Linda, are close to Patriots defensive back, Patrick Chung, who is engaged to his wife’s niece. Jenkins says he has taken Chung under his wing, and provides mentoring for the young athlete.
“Patrick has a lot coming at him,” says Jenkins. “I do what I can to help.”
Known for his tackling prowess on kick-offs and punt returns, Jenkins recalls a game between the Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals. On the game’s kick-off, he raced down field, making a beeline for the fleet-footed Bengals kick-returner. Fielding the kick was none other than Joe Wilson ’73, who was Jenkins’ roommate in what was known as the “black corridor” in Healy Hall, where many African-American students lived.
“Joe fielded the kick-off and I knew he was going to try to run over me,” recalls Jenkins. “But I tackled him and got him down. Then I told him: ‘Welcome to the NFL.’ ”
https://news.holycross.edu/blog/2012/02/20/from-football-field-to-courtroom-eddie-jenkins-72-a-trailblazer/
Calvin Miller FA-CFL 1979 NYG 1979 8-31-1953
OSU HOF (6-18-2018) : “As a player from 1973-74, former Oklahoma State standout defensive lineman Calvin Miller was known as a fierce competitor.
The Gulfport, Mississippi, native played for Cowboy football coach Jim Stanley, starting in OSU’s win over Brigham Young in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl his senior season.
He played professional football with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants and also played in the Canadian Football League.
After his playing days ended, Miller began working as a longtime collegiate assistant coach, coaching defensive ends at OSU from 1991-94 and again from 1997-2002. In between, he coached at Kentucky. He has coached locally in small colleges, entering his ninth season as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Langston University.”
Nate Rivers RB W-PHI 1980 NYG 1980 8-31-1955
In Memoriam
Ken MacAfee RE UDFA-Alabama 1954 NYG 1954-1958 Born 8-31-1929 Died 7-04-2007
Dave Anderson NYT (12-29-1977)
DALLAS, Dec. 28—As the tiny, son of the New York Giants’ light end of two decades ago, Ken MacAfee Jr. occasionally toddled about the Giants’ locker room.
“The thing [ remember best,” he was saying, “was the day Rosey Grier held me above his head with one hand. I was scared to death.”
Rosey Grier could not hold Ken MacAfee. Jr. above his head with one hand now. At 6 feet 5 inches and 250 pounds, Ken MacAfee Jr. is Notre Dame's tight end, possibly the first choice in next year's National Football League draft and surely the first Sports choice to be booed by Texas rooters next of Monday in the Cotton Bowl game that The Times might !determine the national college championship. “At the Heisman Trophy dinner.” recalled the third‐place finisher for the award that Earl Campbell of Texas won, “I simply expressed a desire that Notre Dame win the national championship. I don't understand why Texas people resented that. Winning the national championship is what Texas wants to do, too.” That attitude is to be *expected of a football player with jaw as thick as his neck, with a thoroughbred background from the time he was a toddler. When he was around the Giants, they were winners,
“We lived in the old Concourse Plaza hotel up on the Grand Concourse near ‘Yankee Stadium. Frank Gifford, Charley Gonerly and Kyle Rote were always around, and on Halloween, my sister Linda and I would go through the halls trick-or-treating. And after games, the Giants had parties there. Sometimes,” he recalled, grinning, ‘'the noise from the parties woke me up.”
“His father had been one of the N.F.L.'s first tight ends, desgnated as such by the late Vince Lombardi, then the Giants’ offensive coordinator. He played on the Giants’ 1956 N.F.L. championship team and on the 1958 team that lost to the Baltimore Colts in overtime, But at Alabama, had never earned his degree. He enlisted in the Marines during the Korean conflict. After his discharge, he joined the Giants, who had scouted him on the Quantico [Val base team. When he settled in Brockton, Mass„ where is now a salesman for the F.C. Phillips machine company he did not let his son rush into football.
“Some of the kids who did play at that age either got hurt or got sick of football,” Ken MacAfee Jr. said. “I can never thank my father enough for what he did.”
“Ken MacAfee ( '1948) – a member of the Oliver Ames High School Athletic Hall of Fame – is the only OA grad to play in the NFL (another OA grad, Budgie Campbell, played in the Canadian Football League.) In college and while playing football in the Marine Corps, and in his first year in the NFL (the 1954 season) with the New York Giants, MacAfee was a star wide receiver.
Yet while with the Giants in his second season, offensive line coach, Vince Lombardi, took MacAfee and put him flush against the outside of the line, making MacAfee what Lombardi called a "tight end." MacAfee would now be a blocking lineman, but also available to catch passes.
Many football historians attest that MacAfee was the first tight end in the NFL.
In an interview with the Boston Globe in 1979, MacAfee said, "When Vince told me I was a tight end, I didn't even know what he was talking about."
John Symank SS TR-GB 1963 NYG Training Camp 1963 NYG DB Coach 1974-1978 Born 8-31-1935 Died 1-23-2002
Defensive End Bill Quinlan and Safety
John Symank Traded to New York
April 26, 1963 – Packers coach Vince Lombardi sends defensive end Bill Quinlan and safety John Symank to the New York Giants for a third-round selection in the 1964 draft. The loss of Quinlan, a starter in 1962, creates a big hole on the right side of the Packers defensive line. “You can’t stand pat in this business,” Lombardi says. “We thought we drafted real well and if these boys are to do us any good we have to make room for them.” In the mix to replace Quinlan are the team’s No. 1 draft choice, Dave Robinson, and two other rookies: Tony Liscio of Tulsa and Lionel Aldridge of Utah State.
1975 Profile: John Symank
Defensive Secondary Coach
"The 39-year-old Symank, a former defensive back with the Green Bay Packers, brings a fine blend of collegiate and professional coaching with him to the Giants. For three years, John was the head coach at the University of Texas at Arlington and prior to that was the head coach for two years at Northern Arizona University. From 1966 through the 1968 season, Symank was defensive backfield coach for the Atlanta Falcons and prior to his tenure with the Falcons was a defensive coach at both the University of Virginia and at Tulane. He was on the same staff at Tulane as Bill Arnsparger.
John was both a running back and a defensive back at the University of Florida after a transfer from Arlington State Junior College in Texas. He was drafted by the Packers in 1957 and played on championship teams through 1962 before concluding his playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963.
As a rookie safety in 1957, Symank intercepted nine passes to rank second in the NFL that year. The 5-10, 190-pounder was also rated as a rugged tackler.
Born in LaGrange, Texas, John was a football and track star at Caldwell High School in Caldwell, Texas and also earned two letters in track at Florida."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
