Day One of New York Giants Rookie Mini-Camp: The first day of the Giants’ two-day rookie mini-camp was held yesterday. Two practices were held yesterday and two more will be held today.
The Giants had five more invitees in attendance (this in addition to the 23 already previously announced):
- WR A.J. Jackson (California – Pa.)
- LB Brian Iwuh (Jacksonville Jaguars)
- DB Barry Lovett (Franklin & Marshall)
- S Zaire Kitchen (Rutgers)
- PK Austin Signore (Eastern Illinois)
Here are some mini-camp observations from the media:
- Star-Ledger – Morning Practice
- Star-Ledger – Afternoon Practice
- Daily News – Morning Practice
- Daily New – Afternoon Practice
Jeff Feagles Retires: Jeff Feagles officially retired from the NFL yesterday. The 44-year old Feagles spent 22 seasons in the NFL, the last seven with the New York Giants.
“This is a day in which we recognize, in my opinion, one of the greatest Giants of all time,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “It is a happy day because I think everybody in the organization is happy for Jeff and his family. It is a sad day because I walked around this morning and I listened to a lot of people in our organization. And their thoughts were that Jeff would be here forever. I think that is the way, honestly, we all feel.”
“I’ve taken my last swing,” said Feagles. “One lesson that I have learned from playing football in the National Football League is that it takes a toll on your body. And eventually it tells you that you can’t do it any more. And that day is today…A week ago Monday I got out of bed and the Good Lord above sent me a sign that day and said, ‘You’re done, you’re finished.’ I just didn’t feel good. My back was hurting, my knee was starting to swell up again. I just said to myself, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’”
“To the fans, most importantly, the New York Giants fans who have always been great to me,” said Feagles. “There is no better place to play the game you love than in New York. I will miss you all…I will miss wearing the Giants uniform like I did for seven years. And really, I will just miss being a football player.”
Giants Re-Sign Gerris Wilkinson: According to the NFL Players Association, restricted free agent linebacker Gerris Wilkinson has signed his 1-year, $1.176 million tender.
The Giants have two remaining unsigned restricted free agents: WR Derek Hagan and DT Barry Cofield. However, the deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer an offer sheet from another team has passed. Both will eventually re-sign with the Giants.
CB Leon Wright Waived: The Giants waived undrafted rookie free agent CB Leon Wright yesterday. Wright failed his physical.
Article on Safety Chad Jones: Giants’ Jones Committed to Football by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post
Article on Punter Matt Dodge: Rookie Knows It’s Tall Task Replacing Feagles by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post