12/22/11 Christmas DAC Day 22, Ring of Honor

December 22, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants added a few players to the Ring of Honor this year. These new members bring the total up to 35 former players honored forever. I like when teams do these kind of things for their star players. It builds on tradition for the fans and connects generations. I took a tour of the old Yankee stadium, the year before it was demolished and replaced by the new Yankee stadium.

Monument Park in the Bronx was a unique experience and I enjoyed being able to see how the Yankees set the bar when it comes to honoring the greats of the game. As a fan, I appreciate the classy way the Giants waited almost 100 years to do this but the time has come. I’d like to see John Mara, Tom Coughlin, Ernie Accorsi, Eli Manning, Rodney Hampton, Charles Way, Jeff Feagles, Jason Sehorn, Osi Umenyiora, David Tyree, Shaun O’Hara, Rich Seubert, Keith Hamilton, Chris Snee, Justin Tuck, Brandon Jacobs and a few other players added to the Ring of Honor one day.

Let’s take a look at the list of Giants players immortalized forever.

1. Jessie Armstead, LB – 2010 ROH member

2. Carl Banks, LB – 2011 ROH member

3. Tiki Barber, RB – 2010 ROH member

4. Mark Bavaro, TE – 2011 ROH member

5. Al Blozis, OT – 2010 ROH member

6. Rosey Brown, OT – 2010 ROH member

7. Harry Carson, LB – 2010 ROH member

8. Charlie Conerly, QB – 2010 ROH member

9. Frank Gifford, RB/WR – 2010 ROH member

10. Pete Gogolak, K – 2010 ROH member

11. Mel Hein, LB/C – 2010 ROH member

12. Jim Lee Howell, DE/Coach – 2010 ROH member

13. Sam Huff, LB – 2010 ROH member

14. Dave Jennings, P – 2011 ROH member

15. Tuffy Leemans, RB – 2010 ROH member

16. Dick Lynch, DB – 2010 ROH member

17. Jack Mara, Owner – 2010 ROH member

18. Tim Mara, Owner – 2010 ROH member

19. Wellington Mara, Ball Boy/Owner – 2010 ROH member

20. George Martin, DE – 2010 ROH member

21. Joe Morrison, RB – 2010 ROH member

22. Steve Owen, OT/Coach – 2010 ROH member

23. Bill Parcells, Coach – 2010 ROH member

24. Andy Robustelli, DE – 2010 ROH member

25. Phil Simms, QB – 2010 ROH member

26. Michael Strahan, DE – 2010 ROH member

27. Ken Strong, RB – 2010 ROH member

28. Lawrence Taylor, LB – 2010 ROH member

29. Bob Tisch, Owner – 2010 ROH member

30. Y.A. Tittle, QB – 2010 ROH member

31. Amani Toomer, WR – 2010 ROH member

32. Emlen Tunnell, DB/Coach – 2010 ROH member

33. Brad Van Pelt, LB – 2011 ROH member

34. Alex Webster, FB/Coach – 2011 ROH member

35. George Young, Executive – 2010 ROH member

DAC Fact

The Giants have 35 former players inducted into their Ring of Honor. The G-Men have always been about business and they cultivate a team first attitude. That is why there are no distractions such as cheerleaders. Yes, we all love cheerleaders and they have been a part of the game since pee-wee football but at the professional level, they do nothing to help win football games. The Giants remain one of the few teams to play without cheerleaders. Creating a Ring of Honor is a big move for Big Blue. They normally shy away from acknowledging individual achievements but I agree with the move. With such a storied history, remaining silently humble was a disservice to the fans. The rich history was too much to ignore and they made the right decision to shine a light on it.

What are you feelings about the Giants Ring of Honor? Would you change anything about them?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


12/21/11 Christmas DAC Day 21, The Playoffs

December 21, 2011

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans and Happy Holidays! I apologize to the die hard Giants fans who already know what I’m going to say in this article, when I discuss the playoffs. You know the scenario but for those of you who need to catch up on the information highway, the Giants need to win both of their final two games of the 2011 season. Both of these teams, the Jets and Cowboys, are formidable opponents. Both of these games will be played at MetLife stadium. The Giants have no choice but win these games or face a third straight year without a postseason game. Nobody wants to see that happen and the reason for all of this misfortune is quite clear, the injuries.

The Giants simply need to win the next two games, hope for some of their players to return from injury and give round one everything they’ve got. We know that QB Eli Manning will do his part and make things happen. I’m more concerned with the defensive personnel then I am with the offense. Is it crazy to think that GM Jerry Reese would bring in a veteran defensive back for the playoff run? Anything is possible I guess. It all comes back to the fact that Big Blue needs to win the next two games. If they do win the next two games, one still has to wonder how deep they can go in the playoffs with the 28th ranked defense.

If the Giants somehow miss the playoffs for a third straight year, what happens? You can’t realistically fire coaches over players getting injured, that just isn’t fair. The pressure from fans might too be too much to overcome for the Giants front office this year, I believe changes are inevitable and will occur swiftly following the end of the season. I also think the G-Men have a great shot at making the playoffs still this year. Two huge games back to back to end 2011, the year of the heart attack and lock out. I cannot imagine this crazy year ending any other way.

DAC Fact

I told you about the New York Giants making the playoffs dozens of times in their history. But do you know how many playoff wins they have? The overall postseason record is 20-24 and the Giants have a 5-4 playoff record since 2000. They are also 1-1 for Super Bowl appearances during that period of time. The lost to the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 and beat the undefeated New England Patriots in SBXLII. The longest drought in Giants history for missing the playoffs is 17 straight seasons from 1964-1980 Let’s hope that ancient history, stays ancient history, and never repeats itself again.

Will the New York Giants make the playoffs this year? Yes or no? What do you think?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s football camp for kids!


12/19/11 Christmas DAC Day 19, Giants Stadium

December 19, 2011

NEW YORK – I could not let a whole advent calendar pass without giving a day to our beloved Giants stadium, with the deep blue sign and GIANTS STADIUM proudly displayed across the face of the stadium. Yes, the new stadium is up and has been for a little while now, one year. The old name of New Meadowlands stadium was replaced by MetLife stadium when the Giants and Jets agreed to sell the naming rights. Many fans were hoping to see JetBlue stadium or Green Giant stadium but they weren’t meant to be. The billion dollar behemoth had been built and needed a name. Yankee fans weren’t too pleased with MetLife stadium and at least half of all Yankee fans are New York Giants fans. What can you do?

But before the ‘House that PSL’s Built’ was erected ($1.6 billion dollars), there was Giants stadium. Big and Blue and home to millions of Giants fans. Arriving to a game a couple of hours early meant you were tailgating and there is nothing more fun then tailgating with your friends before a big game at your home stadium. The sea of blue is what I call it in the parking lot. You’ve got people from all over the tri-state area in that parking lot. If you are going to the game with noobs or adults who dislike the elements of weather involved with tailgating, you can go to a local bar for your pre-game hang out for a bite to eat and a drink. Personally, I think the best bar around Giants stadium is Red’s Bar. I have been going there for years and it serves as a solid meet up spot for you and your friends. They even have the infamous Giants shuttle to the parking lot area. A diabolical looking blue mini school bus designed to look like a Giants version of the ‘Slap Shot’ bus. If you haven’t been to Red’s Bar you should stop by before or after a game, they are good people in there.

DAC Fact

Did you know the old Giants stadium was opened on October 10, 1976? It had a maximum seating capacity of 80,242 fans. The first ever Giants game to be played there was on September 18, 1977 and it was a stadium born into winning with a victory over the Washington Redskins 20-17. Besides Yankee stadium, I have been to that old stadium more then any other sports complex on the planet and it will be missed. The old Giants stadium was demolished in 2010. There will be a whole generation of kids who will never know that old stadium except through our stories and modern libraries of information on the internet. I’m glad I was able to tour both the old Giants stadium and old Yankee stadium before they were demolished. On February 2, 2014, MetLife stadium will host Super Bowl XLVIII for the first ever New York Super Bowl. Will it snow?

After losing badly to the Redskins, the Giants play the Jets next on Christmas Eve at 1:00 PM EST. This is a must win game.

What is your favorite memory from the old Giants stadium?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


12/18/11 Christmas DAC Day 18, Game Day Fact

December 18, 2011

NEW YORK – The Giants (7-6 record) play the Redskins at MetLife stadium (Giants stadium) today at 1:00 PM EST. They are about to avenge the opening day loss to Washington. I believe the Giants will win this game out right and very convincingly. My final score prediction is Giants 42 – Redskins 27. The Giants front four on defense will get to the Redskins QB Rex Grossman often. Look for DE Jason Pierre-Paul to have another brilliant game. JPP and Easy Eli are the two ‘sure things’ for the Pro Bowl from Big Blue in my opinion. WR Victor Cruz is making a nice argument for himself too. The G-Men will need all of these guys to step up in order to beat a Redskins team that isn’t so bad really. They had a hot start in the beginning of the year and now find themselves in the middle of the pack (4-9 record) like the rest of the NFC East. Washington lost TE Fred Davis over suspensions and WR Santana Moss is returning from a bad injury. The Redskins defense is middle of the pack and their running game stinks just like the Giants, both are ranked 30th and 31st respectively. I expect the Giants defense to collect 3 sacks minimum.

Big Blue then faces the Jets on Christmas Eve for New York bragging rights. The Jets are going to shut down WR Hakeem Nicks with Revis Island and the running game will struggle. I look for WR Victor Cruz and TE Jake Ballard to have a big day along with QB Eli Manning. The Giants passing attack is potent with many contributors. The Jets simply do not have enough Revis islands to cover all of the Giants threats. If it were up to me, I would run a lot of 4 WR sets against the Jets defensive backfield and dare them to blitz. Manning excels at play action passing.

The really important game will come on New Year’s Day when the Giants face the Cowboys in Metlife stadium for the season finale. I believe the Jets will be the toughest game of all three. The Giants should beat the Redskins and have already beaten the Cowboys this year. The Jets defense is a top ranked defense and I am anxious to see how our top rated passing offense does against them. Look for RB Brandon Jacobs to score a goal line TD and RB Ahmad Bradshaw to break off a long run for a TD with a big play. The bulk of the blow out points will come from Manning throwing 3 or 4 TD’s with maybe 1 INT. The Giants control their own destiny.

DAC Fact

Beating the Redskins is one of the keys to making it back to the playoffs for Big Blue. Do you know how many times the Giants have made an appearance in the playoffs? Can you believe 30 times since 1933! The 1970’s are the only decade since the 1930’s, that the G-Men failed to make the post season. In recent years, the Giants have made the playoffs six times from 2000-2010.

Do you think the Giants will beat the Redskins today?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


12/11/11 Christmas DAC Day 11, It’s Game Day!

December 11, 2011

NEW YORK – The Giants play another night game tonight, that makes three night games in the past month for Big Blue. Fans will have to wait all day to find out what will become of the Giants season. If they lose, their season is essentially over. I’m not worried though because it is out of our hands now and completely up to the players. All of the pep talks in the world can’t make a tackle on the field. So sit back and enjoy the show because something tells me that Big Blue will come out with the win. Head Coach Tom Coughlin, will do all that he can to have his team prepared, this I am sure of. The play calling from OC Gilbride and DC Fewell will need to be exceptional tonight in order to keep the season alive.

The Giants injury report states that DE Osi Umenyiora, S Kenny Phillips, C David Baas, LB Mark Herzlich and LB Spencer Paysinger will not play tonight. Losing all of these players and adding them to the crowded injury list is really making me sick. The absolute epidemic of injuries is sickening. I do not want to sound cold or unsympathetic to the situation or to the players personally because I truly wish them all a fast recovery. But the damage it has done to the team as a whole is undeniable. The Giants defense was hit especially hard, knocking them down the rankings to the 29th defense overall, which is completely unacceptable for a New York football team. All I can say is, get well soon guys. My final score prediction one more time is Giants 28 – Cowboys 21.

DAC Fact

Do you know how many times the Giants and Cowboys have played each other? These two teams have a long history of rivalry and have met on the football field 98 times. That means today will be the 99th time and the big 100th contest will be in the final game of the 2011 season on New Year’s day. The first time they played each other was on December 4, 1960 in Yankee stadium and the game famously ended in a tie 31-31. These franchises have played in overtime games twice in team history and split victories in those two overtime games. They have also played two games to a tie in team history. Dallas leads the all-time series 56-40-2.

Who will finish the game with more passing yards, Eli Manning or Tony Romo?

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


12/10/11 Christmas DAC Day 10, Double Digits

December 10, 2011

NEW YORK – I have been talking to some of our fellow Giants fans about the upcoming Cowboys game. The most important game of the year for Big Blue. I have been very surprised by some of the final score predictions being made. Three Giants fans have predicted a double digit victory for Big Blue, which means they think the Giants will win by 10 or more points. My own prediction has the Giants winning by a TD with the score of 28-21. I am making that optimistic prediction because the Giants are Road Warriors and they play in Texas. The Giants can and must win on Sunday night.

The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia “Dream Team” Eagles are both basically out of the playoffs already. They will not be doing anything but playing golf in January. There is a slim chance that they could get in if the Cowboys and Giants lose all of their final games but that is unlikely to happen. So the Cowboys have our full attention in the NFC East and they will be playing a very hungry New York Football Giants club.

DAC Fact

Do you know how many double digit wins the Giants have in 2011? So far (after 12 games), the Giants have only 2 double digit victories and the last one was in week three. This makes sense because each and every week feels like a close game and I’ve been on the edge of my seat for them all. The two teams the G-Men beat by double digits are the Eagles (29-16) and Rams (28-16). If some of the Giants fans are correct, Big Blue might get their third double digit win of the year on Sunday night.

What is your final score prediction for the Giants/Cowboys game?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


Big Blue Adding Five to Ring of Honor on Sunday

November 30, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants have announced that they will be adding five players to the Ring of Honor on Sunday. This tells me that MetLife stadium will be buzzing with the ghosts of old and the stadium should be electric. The Giants plan on inducting LB Carl Banks, TE Mark Bavaro, RB Alex Webster, LB Brad Van Pelt and P Dave Jennings. On behalf of the nygreporter, I would like to say congratulations men, this is a well deserved honor for some of the biggest names in Giants history.

I have had the pleasure of seeing some of these guys play and meeting a couple of them (Bavaro, Van Pelt) let me tell you, Mark Bavaro and Carl Banks are two of the best Giants of all time. They must have saved inducting them for this year in order to generate interest using high profile stars, spreading them out if you will instead of including them all in the initial 30 honorees. It makes sense but to the true blue Giants fan, there is no need for these types of things, we will be there no matter who is inducted. Once a Giant, always a Giant! Let’s take a look at this group of men and congratulate them.

2011 New York Giants ‘Ring of Honor’ Inductees

1. LB Carl Banks – All-time New York Giants legend, 2-time Super Bowl Champion, Pro Bowl selection.

2. TE Mark Bavaro – All-time New York Giants legend, 2-time Super Bowl Champion, 2-time Pro Bowl selection.

3. RB Alex Webster – Webster was born in Kearny, New Jersey, the local product was a 2-time Pro Bowl selection.

4. LB Brad Van Pelt – Van Pelt was born in Michigan and died there in 2009. A fan favorite, he was a 5-time Pro Bowl selection.

5. P Dave Jennings – Jennings was born in New York and spent 10 years with the G-Men. He is a 4-time Pro Bowl selection.

SIDENOTE: I am proud to announce that nygreporter will eclipse the 50,000 mark for unique visitors this weekend. I would like to say thank you to all of our readers!

What do you think about the five players the Giants will induct into the Ring of Honor in Sunday?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


Happy Thanksgiving to our Readers and Giants Fans

November 24, 2011

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! I would also like to wish the players, staff and coaches a very Happy Thanksgiving and their families as well. This includes Kate Mara (follow back @nygreporter or have your agent email me, I want to interview you) and both the Mara and Tisch family owners. I would like to thank all of you for the classy way you conduct business and for the entertainment you have given my family for generations. I still firmly believe the Giants will be back in the playoffs this year.

I hope all of you can think of something to be thankful for this holiday season. I have heard a saying that goes “You buy the ticket, you take the ride”. It means no complaining, you take the ride of life and one thing leads to another and based on your choices, an outcome blossoms. Today is the perfect day to call an old friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Have them pass the phone around the room and catch up with everyone. Some of you can’t be home for the holidays, I have been there myself once or twice. Keep your head up and maybe things will be different next year. To the military stationed all over the world, you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service for your country. I hope all of you have some peace this year and get to enjoy yourselves a bit. If you see someone in uniform, stop them and shake their hand.

The Giants play the Saints and QB Drew Brees on Monday Night Football. This is going to be a very difficult game to win but knowing the G-Men, they could end up blowing them out by 25 points. I believe the Giants can beat anyone but the Saints and Packers were clearly the top two teams we had to play all year. The first of the two is about to go down on Monday night. The Giants must stop Saints TE Jimmy Graham (force the Saints to use a TE as blocker in defensive scheme), RB Darren Sproles and the defensive ends must get to Brees often. QB Eli Manning must have one of his standard big games to get Big Blue that seventh win of the year. Be safe and be smart, drink responsibly.

Turkey Day NFL Games/Times/Stations

12:30 PM EST – Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions on FOX Sports.

4:15 PM EST – Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys on CBS Sports.

8:20 PM EST – San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens on NFL Network (Boo!)

Monday Night Football

8:30 PM EST – New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints on ESPN.

What is your all time favorite Thanksgiving family tradition? What is your traditional meal?

– The traditional Thanksgiving day meal in my family has always been turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, biscuits, brown gravy, pie, beer and wine.

RD – nygreporter.com – Happy Thanksgiving!

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!


Coming Soon! Kids Can Join NYG Justin Tuck at ProCamps

November 14, 2011

NEW YORK – Giants Pro Bowl DE Justin Tuck will be holding his ‘Old Spice Justin Tuck Football Camp’ in Mahwah, New Jersey. The dates have yet to be determined but more info on that will follow. The camp is held for kids ages 7-14. It is an all day unique experience that comes with a few goodies. The kids should truly have a great time and walk away with some valuable football knowledge. The cost is $149.00 per kid, which isn’t too bad for a two day camp with a Giants Pro Bowl defensive end. Campers will be placed on teams according to their age. Kids will be at different stations doing physical skills, drills and plays.

Tri-state area kids have a chance at attending a Justin Tuck camp locally and leaving with some parting gifts. If it happens to rain on that day, kids will be taken to a nearby indoor facility. The rest of what kids get for attending is a camp t-shirt, autographed team photo, seven hours of instruction, prizes and gifts and a great experience hanging out with Justin. Jim Stoll is the program director and in charge of running camps for many pro athletes.

There are a few suggestions I have for the Justin Tuck ProCamp, check this out Justin. I would include an individual photo with Justin, in addition to the team photo autographed. A photo with the parents paying for the camp would be nice to. From what I know of Justin, he probably already does most of this already but just doesn’t list it. I would set up a weight bench and have Justin demonstrate his NFL strength to the kids. Showing them proper workout technique, workout safety and importance of not pushing it too hard, too early. Also add a loose curriculum of the days activities on his page for parents to browse.

I sent a 10 question interview to the ProCamps coordinator to get to Justin, he will be our first defensive player interview ever, after two offensive players in a row, Rodney Hampton Interview 4/2/11, nygreporter Edition 0002, Steve Smith Interview 3/6/11, nygreporter Edition 0001. A true Thanksgiving present indeed. Get back to us Justin!

I hope all of our readers will check this out or pass it along to a true blue Giants fan. You can also see a video when you visit the link to Justin Tucks ProCamp site.

SIDE NOTE: There haven’t been any available dates released yet for Justin Tuck ProCamps. Be sure to come back and check for more information as updates are confirmed about available dates!

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


Happy Veteran’s Day to our Military Around the World

November 11, 2011

NEW YORK – On behalf of the nygreporter, I would like to say Happy Veteran’s Day to our readers, Giants fans and our military stationed all over the world. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for this country and may God bless you always. It is an honor to write this article for the warriors who continue to fight for our country and remembering those who have fallen in battle. Coming from a military family, it is easy to see why I have such a high respect for our troops and soldiers. I hope you will all take a moment to say a little prayer for the veterans who protect this nation each and every day and for the fallen. If you see someone in the military today, stop them and shake their hand and thank them for all they do. You are not forgotten!

Another person who has done tremendous things for our military is Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. Coach Coughlin seems to be involved in at least one project every year that is military related, he has also flown overseas to spend some time with the troops. The Giants won’t be flying overseas this weekend but they will be flying across the country when the visit San Francisco on Sunday to have a battle of their own. I expect this is be a very good game between two teams that are riding high early on this year. I don’t think there are many fans who are taking this game lightly, the Giants are going to need some of that old school, tough football on the field to walk away with the victory.

The Giants might have a tough time running the ball but the way Manning has been playing lately, it might not effect the outcome of the game. Last weekend, I thought fans would see a shoot out between Brady and Manning and for the most part, it didn’t happen. This week, I expect a defensive battle to occur. We will have to wait and see if that prediction comes to fruition. Then we have the news about 49ers star RB Frank Gore who might not play, that would be a welcome advantage to Big Blue, since Gore is a stud and can run for a ton of yards. That might also balance out the loss of Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw, if he can’t play on Sunday. WR Hakeem Nicks is also questionable for Sunday. Either way, I expect both ground games to suffer and this game to be won using the air. I predict a Giants win 17-13.

I would like to say, God Bless & Thank You to our military once again! R.I.P. Uncle John, U.S. Army.

How do you plan on honoring the military on Veteran’s Day? Do you think the G-Men will beat the 49ers on Sunday?

RD – nygreporter.com

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