G-Men For Life
My journey to Giants fandom was not born out of a family lineage or even a love for the game itself. As the youngest of five, and like most little brothers, I had one idol, my big bro. I wanted to mimic everything he did, so the Giants had to be my football team. I can't really tell you how he became a Giants fan. Our Dad was not much for football, and to this day my Mom thinks the Super Bowl is just an excuse to eat hot wings.
During my early childhood, I was not really much into football. I was always too small to play the game; basketball and baseball were really my sports of choice. But my brother would sit me down during the football season and explain the rules to me. “You see, if they score, they get six points. Then they kick the ball through those poles to add one more point, so every score really counts for seven,” he would instruct. I was still a little bit confused, but I wanted to learn the rules, so I paid attention as best as I could.
With big bro, who taught me everything I needed to know about the Giants.
My brother would even go on to teach me about New York Giants football history. From famous players and coaches, and what really excited me was learning they used to play their home games in Yankee Stadium (home to one of my favorite teams).
In 2004, I remember my brother was filled with excitement. The Giants had found a way to pull off a massive coup and were able to trade for Eli Manning. While I knew nothing of the young man from Ole Miss, my brother believed he would be our Peyton. The Manning brothers came from a football family, and while their father might not have won many games in New Orleans, it was clear that Eli and Peyton were the real deal. Eli was always tough, not much for words like his older brother — but he was a hard worker, and he fit right in with the grit, grind, and hustle of the Giants. The 2004 NFL Draft was a good day to be a Giants fan.
It was the 2006 season where the Giants had an amazing first half of the season going 6-2. Eli and the guys were looking amazing but the second half of the season was not so hot. We found our way into the playoffs but got an early boot from our division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Giants may have snuck their way into the postseason, there was a feeling that something special was on the horizon.
With happy friends during sad Giants times.
Then came 2007. The Giants shocked the world by beating the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Most people remember the “catch”: Eli Manning dip, dodged, and slipped through tackles only to heave a pass downfield. At the time, I had no faith in that ball landing in a Giants player's hands, and it sort of didn't. As if David Tyree had super glue on his helmet —he reached out, got the ball, and placed it on the top of his head — landing to the ground for what may be the greatest completion I've ever seen.
After that catch, the game was history.
Since then I've been lucky enough to see another Super Bowl victory, and also many losses and sad seasons. The Giants have taught me how to deal with loss, and also the sweet feeling of victory. But It was 2007 that made me a Giants fan for life. I finally understood why my brother had such love for this team; I could finally love them too, and not just because my older brother did.