Loading ...This interview with former New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree was conducted on June 20th, 2011 in New York City.
Giants 101: "What’s your connection to football these days? Still want to play?"
David Tyree: "No. I have no desire to play, man. Life is exciting. I’ve moved into a partnership in a financial arena with a very close friend of mine so I’m learning and getting trained there, as well as a lot of initiatives through our charity and our foundation."
Giants 101: "So no coaching? Special teams coach maybe?"
David Tyree: "No, too much time, man. I’ll come on the sidelines and hype somebody up, give them a few pointers, but that’s it."
Giants 101: "What role does the memory of that Super Bowl play for you?"
David Tyree: "Oh, it’s huge man. It’s like a memorial, you know. You can go to a place where you had your first kiss and you’ll never forget that place. For me, that was a moment in my career I had every reason to be content with my body of work as an NFL athlete. I had played in a pro-bowl on special teams, and by the grace of God starred in the Super Bowl and had a historic moment. And so, I was able to have peace moving forward. After seven years, coming back from the injury, getting a chance to run down and play the game again, I felt like it was time to move on."
Giants 101: "Bill Simmons from ESPN swears to this day that ball hit the floor. Did it?"
David Tyree: "I think everyone knows the ball didn’t hit the floor. After replay after replay after replay…"
Giants 101: "Well, he’s a Patriots fan so…"
David Tyree: "Oh, poor guy. Well tell him I’ll try to order him a back-rub or something like that."
Giants 101: "On Eli, some people say he’s not a leader. You played with him. What do you think?"
David Tyree: "I think he’s greatly grown and matured into that. I think his career and his maturity has shown itself this year, and it exploded when we had our Super Bowl run. He’s the leader of that football team. I think everyone, including our teammates, kind of joke on the progression of Eli Manning as a player and as a leader. But he’s put the work in, and that’s one thing you have to give him credit for. It’s his team to take, at this point. The outlook for the team continues to be bright with him there."
Giants 101: "I’m sure you heard Osi and the lawsuit. In your dealings with Reese, did you find him to be a dishonest guy?"
David Tyree: "I didn’t find him personally to be [dishonest]. But it’s business, business can get a little fuzzy sometimes, you know. Especially what’s on the table with the lockout, who knows what can happen. Osi’s ruthless and that’s my boy, and it’s funny and I chuckle at it. But hopefully [Reese] can be a man of his word. We’ll see how that stuff shakes out. I still believe Osi is one of the top pass rushers in the league and he’s worthy of his due."
Giants 101: "Still talk to any of your old teammates? Dropping by training camp?"
David Tyree: "Last year I definitely did. Tried to stay close, and it was fun last year. Still talk to Brandon Jacobs. Every now and then a bunch of wide receivers. Talked to Hakeem Nicks. Think he’s one of the most promising young receivers in the league."
Giants 101: "So what’s up with Jacobs? Does he want to come back?"
David Tyree: "I don’t think anyone ever wants to leave New York, to be honest. Unless you’ve just had a horrible experience. I personally felt — not that my thoughts mean anything — that he should have been used more last year. Ahmad did a great job, but I still think Brandon has a lot to bring to the table as far as balance. I understood his frustrations. Not necessarily justifying his actions. But hopefully he’ll be back as a Giant."
Giants 101: "Any communication with Plaxico?"
David Tyree: "No, not yet. I was surprised man. I was up to see him a few times, but I know he’s got a lot going on, redirecting and enjoying his family and with his desires to get back on the field."
Giants 101: "He’s one guy who sounds like he does not want to come back to New York. Why was his relationship with the team so bad? Was he a bad teammate?"
David Tyree: "Not necessarily as a teammate. I think he gave the coaches and the organization a tough time, because Tom Coughlin doesn’t have the simplest rules. I think Coughlin is one of the best coaches, as long as you understand his philosophy. It proved in the first year when everyone didn’t buy into his philosophy and we had an ugly season. But we bought in, understood he was the captain of the ship, and next thing you know we were NFC Champs. So I think he’s proved that he’s a great football coach. The relational aspect, he’s grown in. So Plax and him, just never got off and rubbed the right shoulders."
