This has been a day full of blasts from the past. Two former New York Giants decided to retire with the G-Men and have it go down in the record books that they are part of the family forever. They are Ike Hilliard and David Tyree. The fans hold both of these players in very high regard, especially WR David Tyree who helped the team win a Super Bowl. Ike Hilliard is a fan favorite because he was with the Giants for most of his career after playing at the University of Florida. Both WR’s David Tyree and Ike Hilliard, were drafted by the New York Giants. Hilliard in 1997 and Tyree in 2003.
I had the pleasure of seeing Hilliard play at the Swamp during the nineties (1996) at the University of Florida. Ike (5’11” 210 pounds) spent eight years with the Giants after they drafted him and then the next four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a gifted wide receiver and a fan favorite, just as David Tyree was/is. Two former Giants WR’s coming back to the team, signing with the team, then retiring with the team. This is something that does not happen everyday in the world of football.
Ike played alongside Amani Toomer for a lot of years and I’m sure that Toomer would have nothing but good things to say about No.88 Hilliard. Ike took the heat off of Toomer on more then one occasion allowing Toomer to flourish. Toomer can hold his own in any situation and I do not want to sound like Toomer needed help. It was just a good fit to see them both on the field doing their thing.
Everyone here at the nygreporter wishes Ike Hilliard and his family all of the best!
Are you happy to see that WR Ike Hilliard has retired as a New York Giant?
Sometimes, I feel like the Giants organization checks out our work here on this site. I’m sure that isn’t the case but we did write an article a week or so ago called “Hey Giants, what’s wrong with David Tyree?”. I did not see this report yesterday when they broke the news about signing DE/LB Alex Hall or putting rookie safety Chad Jones on waivers. These reports showed up this morning. Now this could have meant one of two things. First, the team feels like the have someone who can contribute solely on special teams and do some work. Secondly, Tyree signed a one day deal so he can retire as a New York Giant.
The reality is that No.85 WR David Tyree has officially retired from the NFL. He signed a one day deal that would allow him to go down in the record books as retiring with Big Blue. I love that Tyree did this and I cannot think of a better way to leave the game for him. One of our contributors here, Kyle L, had mentioned this is exactly what would happen and he was dead right within weeks of it happening, nice call Kyle.
WR David Tyree will forever be remembered for “the greatest play in Super Bowl history” during the greatest upset in Super Bowl history. The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the most exciting Super Bowl of the decade. He is a Super Bowl Champion and a Pro Bowler, nothing can ever change that. I had the pleasure of meeting David at the NFL draft party in the old Giants stadium. He was a very cool guy and very genuine. He signed a football for me, we shook hands and as I was leaving I said “thanks man, God bless”, he stopped what he was doing, looked right at me and “Thanks, God bless you too”. I knew at that moment that this was a spiritual guy. Kyle tells me that Tyree is very happy with his life and has no regrets. Good for him I say.
Everyone here at the nygreporter, wishes David Tyree and his family all of the best in all that they do.
How do you think WR David Tyree will be remembered in Giants folklore?
The New York Giants have signed another defensive player in LB/DE Alex Hall today. Hall (6’5″ 250 pounds) was a seventh round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2008. The Giants picked him up off the waiver wire from Philadelphia today, where he was traded by the Browns last year. He is a young guy who has played linebacker as well as defensive end. The Giants have reportedly shown interest in using him as an end. Hall could end up becoming a utility man of sorts this year splitting time between LB and DE and I will need to investigate his special teams abilities. Something tells me he will see some time there as well.
The Giants also waived recently injured safety Chad Jones today. Many have speculated that the move is simply so they can put the rookie on the Non-Football Injury list that would shut him down for the season, while making roster space in the meantime. This happened with WR Domenik Hixon a few weeks ago and everything worked out. Chad Jones might be a different story because teams might be willing to take a shot on Jones, particularly some of the west coast teams. This could also mean that the team has received some bad news and felt it would be best to do things quickly. We need to get some more info on this part of the story.
What do you think about the Giants adding yet another defensive end into the mix? Does the recent news of Osi’s inevitable surgery mean he could be forced to get it sooner by the team?
Reports have just come out from the New York Post saying that safety Kenny Phillips will not be able to participate in full at the Giants first training camp practice on Sunday. I’m not sure how fans should take this news.
On one hand it could be no big deal and Phillips’ could return to practice in full on Monday. On the other hand, he may not be fully recovered from his injury. A micro-fracture that some have said will never be fully repaired, others say that his knee condition will digress. Others disagree with those opinions and think Phillips’ will be 100% at some point during the 2010 NFL season.
I am going to be cautious with my thoughts on this. I do not want to cross the line and make a rush judgement. Obviously, we hope that Kenny is able to play in 2010 but all of this recent news is making my stomach turn. The thought of having both Phillips and Rolle patrolling the backfield would be a dream come true. Get the highlight reels ready boys, you are going to be very busy in 2010, is what I would say. But the truth is that Kenny Phillips’ status is still uncertain and rookie safety Chad Jones is out for the year. The backfield will have some question marks during training camp. CB Aaron Ross will have to prove he can play this year too. He was also battling injuries for most of the 2009 season.
Do you think that Kenny Phillips will return this season?
Can you feel the electricity in the air Giants fans? The 2010 New York Giants training camp begins this Sunday!
It is now only four days away or roughly 95 hours away, whichever you prefer to use as a measurement of time. The point is that it is close and the players have begun preparing their minds to play football. Like Rocky Balboa, looking into the mirror in Rocky III, the players are searching their souls and asking if they have done all that they can do to be ready. If not, they can always put in the extra work at camp to get ready.
This is not a test, I repeat this is not a test. LIVE DRILLS will be held and players will be putting the pads back on in a matter of days. After, a light run through without pads the first couple of days (helmets only), the guys will be eager to hit something. Sort of like holding a pit bull back with a chain, waiting to be released. I normally do not write about the team in this manner but they have convinced me that they are not playing around this year. They are dead serious about making it back to the playoffs in 2010 and the journey begins this Sunday at training camp.
The Giants were embarrassed by what happened last season and when Mr. Mara became vocal, the message was clear. Changes were about to be made and people would lose their jobs. Not because Mr. Mara is a mean guy but because it was so painfully obvious where the problems existed and nothing could be done about it. It was best to severe ties with those individuals and move in another direction. The defense and special teams are the two areas with the most questions. There are some starting jobs still available and those jobs will be won through competition at camp. Writers are so focused on those two areas, that it might be easy to forget that the Giants have a very good offense.
QB Eli Manning didn’t get many new weapons this year and I doubt if he would even need another WR for 2010. In the 2011 NFL draft, sure I can see them grabbing another WR with in the first four rounds but not this year. Eli Manning had a career year in 2009 despite the poor overall outcome of the season. He will be even better this year. They are still trying to figure out the TE scenario. They have some quality TE’s in Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum and need to work them into the offense a bit more. This could be the area where Easy Eli creates the largest spike in production. The running backs will have their own mini battle for the third string slot. That would be RB’s Andre Brown and DJ Ware competing for that role, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have the number one and two spots locked down for now. RB Gartrell Johnson will also be in the mix but I expect Andre Brown to outperform them both for the third string spot. Johnson did show flashes of his ability in 2009 but will have a tough fight on is hands this season.
Be sure to check out our previous article on the 2010 New York Giants training camp for specific camp info. A must read if you are planning on attending one of the practices in Albany.
The New York Giants had a couple of players hit the newswire today. Rookie safety Chad Jones has finally left the hospital after weeks of painful surgeries and rehabilitation. Jones will not be able to play during the 2010 NFL Season and was placed on the IR list.
Jones’ situation (not you Jersey Shore Mike) reminds me of RB Andre Brown and what he had to endure his rookie season. Brown is healthy this year and eager to do his thing on the field. Do not sleep on Andre in 2010, he can still prove to be the steal of the 2009 NFL Draft, like some experts have predicted. Jones will also miss his entire rookie year and have to concentrate on a long rehab process. Get well soon Chad.
Going to the defensive side of the ball now, DE Osi Umenyiora was told by doctors that they recommend hip surgery. Osi took the recommendation and discussed things with the team but has decided to wait for the surgery. The doctor (Marc Philippon) is well known in the sports world and recently did A-Rod’s hip surgery, among other stars. This could explain why the front office drafted DE Jason Pierre-Paul in round one of the 2010 draft. That is a move that had some fans scratching their heads. Once again, there are things going on that we might not be aware of, so it’s best to trust the opinions of those who have the entire story. Have faith in the coaches and staff. I’m sure that all of the Giants fans are behind you Osi and want you to get healthy.
The Giants still have to concern themselves with the status of star safety Kenny Phillips. Kenny was quoted as saying he felt great and ready to hit the field during training camp. Big Blue will have an extremely dangerous tandem with Phillips and Rolle, proceed with caution NFL receivers.
– In other NFL news, WR Terrell Owens has signed a one year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It didn’t take long for the New York Giants to get back into the free agent game. The Giants have signed a significant veteran over the weekend in LB Keith Bulluck. Bullock (6’3″ – 235 pounds) grew up in New City, New York and told his agent Gary Wichard, “I’m straight New York, let’s do the deal” according to NFL.com. The G-Men signed the 33 year old LB Keith Bulluck to a one year deal worth $2.5 million dollars.
Linebackers Michael Boley and Clint Sintim are set to take over the outside positions but the Giants have yet to hint towards a starter at the middle linebacker position. Since Antonio Pierce has officially retired, the Giants decided to do the smart thing by dipping into free agency one more time for a veteran linebacker to contribute to the training camp competition for a starting role. Even though LB Jonathan Goff and rookie LB Philip Dillard had been competing for the starting spot, Jerry Reese would not be caught with his pants down at an important position. I like this signing by the team and saw this happening a long time ago.
The Giants continue to improve on defense after giving up 427 points during the 2009 season. That is in the past and this is not the same team or coaching staff assembled for 2010. Giants fans can rest assured that this will be a far more aggressive team and that they have learned from an embarrassing 2009 NFL season. I know there are a lot of reporters who will not let the team forget about that fact but I say to them, let it go. Bulluck has spent his entire ten year career with the Tennessee Titans. Welcome to New York Keith.
Do you think that LB Keith Bulluck can contribute immediately as a middle linebacker for the New York Giants?
I can hear you thinking out there. The number 23? Do you mean the Jim Carrey movie where he plays a crazy person obsessed with the number 23? The answer is no. The significance of the number 23 here (about three weeks) is the amount of days until the first New York Giants preseason game. Which in a weird way, still contributes to the fictional star’s theory of the number 23. Jim Carrey was right about the movie because we are in fact, 23 days away. Hmmmm (scratches head) very interesting indeed.
I cannot believe we are this close to the start of a new season. It has been a long stretch for Giants fans who have become accustomed to seeing Big Blue in the playoffs. The players and coaches seem ready to get back to work after an extended off season. That is a good start and changing some of the bad habits in the locker room will help. I believe this will happen not only by the reality of a poor 2009 season still lingering but a genuine desire to return to the playoffs and make another Super Bowl run. The Giants are a very talented team and have only improved during the off season. I believe the Giants will return to the playoffs in 2010.
If we are now only 23 days away from the first preseason game, which is against the Jets in a Monday Night Football matchup, then how close are we to training camp? The Giants will begin training camp a week from Monday on August 1. July, was almost as slow as June was for news about the G-Men. Fans can expect things to happen more rapidly now that we are so close to training camp. I know that some will say preseason games don’t mean anything but I do not agree with those opinions. I enjoy watching the rookies and third stringers play the game. There is no greater measurement of a player, then to see them perform on the field and preseason games might be the only opportunity for them to do that all year.
I am particularly curious to see how backup QB’s Jim Sorgi and Rhett Bomar perform this preseason. The departure of David Carr has truly left a question mark at an important position. Hopefully, fans will never see the backup QB’s play during the regular season as QB Eli manning keeps his Iron Man streak going in 2010.
Who do you think will win the preseason Monday Night Football game between the Giants and Jets?
We are now about a week away from the start of the 2010 New York Giants training camp. I’m very excited for the coaches and the players. This must be a very hectic time in their lives because there really is no other break until the season ends. I hope the Giants are relaxing and enjoying some time with the family. Getting prepared mentally to take care of business and stay healthy in 2010. There is going to be some fierce competition for a starting role on defense this year. Still cameras are allowed inside but no camcorders.
Training camp is free and open to the public. There will be a $5.00 daily parking fee (Dutch Quad Parking Lot) and it costs $15.00 for one all-day pass, if there are two-a-day practices.
I saw a couple of interesting dates on the New York Giants training camp schedule and thought I would share them with you all. Some of the fans that go to training camp have kids and it is good to know that the G-Men do something for the kids on a specific date. Most of this information can be found at Giants.com. Remember that the Giants 2010 training camp runs from August 1, 2010 – August 20, 2010 this year. All practices will be held at the University of Albany, New York. The Camp Hotline number is 518-442-7340.
Friday, August 6, 2010 – “Autograph Night” – Following the Giants practice at 4:30 PM EST, the Giants will hold an autograph session with fans. The team does not specify what players will be available to the fans. This is a great opportunity to meet and greet the players and get the next generation of Giants fans interested in the team. This is a wonderful experience that every true Giants fan must do at least once in their lives. There are usually some players signing autographs after each practice but it is entirely up to the player.
Thursday, August 12, 2010 – “Youth Day” – Following the Giants afternoon practice, families and kids are allowed to stay and interact with the players and coaches. This is geared towards the kids and something they will never forget.
Here is a link to the entire 2010 New York Giants training camp schedule:
I’m sure the comparison has been done before but guess what? We are going to do it again. I want to take a look at the New York Giants leading WR Steve Smith and compare him with the Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith. In case you haven’t noticed they share the same name and some might say the same game. Why do I hear a collective groan emerging from my computer, yes I know it is not the most interesting news to those outside of the Giants or Panthers community but some find it interesting.
The two star WR pro bowlers, league leaders, game breakers will meet in New Meadowlands stadium on September 12, 2010 (1:00 PM EST) to do battle. This is going to be a game that Giants fans will be calling for some blood. Without question, the Carolina Panthers have become hated by Giants fans. Almost as much as the teams in their own division. The Panthers seemed to have the Giants number every time they’ve met over the past five or six years. They beat the G-men particularly bad during the end of the 2009 season at the last home game at the old Giants stadium. That one hurt. That one still hurts. The Panthers also crushed the Giants in the 2006 playoffs adding another notch on the rivalry stick. The Giants fans would love nothing more, then to see the Panthers get thoroughly beat, during the New York Giants first home game/opener in the new stadium.
“There will be blood” will not be just a Daniel Day Lewis film come September 12th. The Giants fans will be fit to be tied and the Big Blue player pride will be riding high. I expect the G-men to crush the Panthers by twenty points. The players need to win this one to get that chip off their shoulders. I believe they will christen the new stadium the right way with a victory over John Fox and his boys.
Let’s take a look at the player statistic comparison for the two Steve Smiths.
1. WR Steve Smith – New York Giants – 25 years old – 5’11” 195 pounds – 2009 stats: 107 receptions 1220 yards 7 TD’s – 4 years NFL experience – 2009 Pro Bowl player
2. WR Steve Smith – Carolina Panthers – 31 years old – 5’9″ 185 pounds – 2009 stats: 65 receptions 982 yards 7 TD’s – 10 years NFL experience
This site was born on 03/06/10 in the state of New York. nygreporter is a home for New York Giants fans and writers. We are a family friendly website and keep the comments clean. Remember that kids read this stuff too. This is a place where football fans can come and go as they please, without any headaches. We are a destination for NFL fans who want real analysis and original opinion articles about the New York Giants. The idea is to continue publishing solid work and to build on the existing good reputation we have within the Giants community. Ultimately, leading to a full time paid job writing or partnership of this website with someone who can see the light and see the social media value of working with values.
THE 2011 NFL LOCKOUT IS OVER AS OF 7/25/11. The lockout lasted (136 days). **A judge ordered the end of the NFL lockout for 4 days on 4/25/11 but I do not subtract those 4 days from the total.
This has been a day full of blasts from the past. Two former New York Giants decided to retire with the G-Men and have it go down in the record books that they are part of the family forever. They are Ike Hilliard and David Tyree. The fans hold both of these players in very high regard, especially WR David Tyree who helped the team win a Super Bowl. Ike Hilliard is a fan favorite because he was with the Giants for most of his career after playing at the University of Florida. Both WR’s David Tyree and Ike Hilliard, were drafted by the New York Giants. Hilliard in 1997 and Tyree in 2003.
Posted by robdomaine 
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