Yipee Tyree

I've been a Giants fan for over 50 years. Old enough to remember when the team was referred to as the New York Football Giants to distinguish them from the baseball team (which struck out for gold in San Francisco before the 1958 season).

So, the Giants third Super Bowl triumph was SWEET, especially as it punctuated the Giants season-long development as an effective and cohesive team and "vindicated" to critical NY and national press and TV media pundits the coaching ability of Tom Coughlin and the playing ability of QB Eli Manning.

It was wonderful to watch on TV the enthusiastic rooting support of Eli's older brother Peyton, who was watching the game from a luxury box at the stadium. While Peyton had won the Super Bowl as QB of the Indianapolis Colts last year, he seemed even more enthused for the good fortune of his younger brother.

I'm looking forward to watching Mizz develop a loving and supportive relationship with his younger brother.

Some personal observations about the game and its aftermath:

Many stars played for both teams; David Tyree was not one of them. A fifth year pro player, who starred as a receiver at Syracuse University, he's mainly stayed out of the limelight by playing on "special teams" for the Giants.

After missing time this season with a broken wrist, he missed 2 games in December after his mother died at age 59 of a heart attack. She'd helped him get through some tough times and the team's management gave him time to grieve his loss. Tyree persevered, and made the Big Play in the Big Game (ESPN just voted his catch as the #1 all-time play in the Super Bowl).


Somehow, Eli Manning somehow eluded the grasp of several defenders and heaved a pass that David Tyree somehow managed to 1) snatch out of the sky while being closely defended, 2) get a hold of against his helmut as he was falling backwards and 3) keep control off as he hit the turf.

Any successful team is made up of individuals, who should be treated with respect along the way no matter their role or level of responsibility.

Michael Strahan almost retired from the Giants before the season started. After 14 years playing a demanding sport, earning personal honors and taking home some huge paychecks, he pondered getting on with his life while ruing the fact he'd never played on a Super Bowl winner (although he'd played on a NFC Champion Giants team that lost the Super Bowl seven years ago).

After deciding he still had enthusiasm for the game, he had another great season and will always value contributing to the BIG WIN. He's said that he intends to bring a video camera to record the team's ticker tape parade today through New York City.

At times, its good to evaluate what you're doing to see assess whether you'd rather do something else -- then give your best effort towards whatever you decide to do.

Amani Toomer was a star receiver at Michigan, but started his 12 year career with the Giants slowly (most notably as a punt returner) before working into a starring role as a pass receiver. Over the years he's made many great catches. Including a winning touchdown catch late one season that led to the first defeat of the Denver Broncos, who seemed headed for an undefeated season.

Last season Toomer suffered a severe knee injury that required reconstructive surgery. He could have retired, but completed rehab and came back because he loves playing football.

He's a close friend of Michael Strahan, and they'd vowed to win a Super Bowl with the Giants after playing on a losing Super Bowl team. Now they've won a Super Bowl together, hold several team records and may retire.

In every endeavor, which will have its ups and downs, its good to share the journey with friends.