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Equipment Director Joe Skiba Chat Archive
By Giants.com

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EAST RUTHERFORD -The transcript of Giants.com's chat with Equipment Director Joe Skiba.

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Hey fans - thanks for taking the time to chat with me. Let's start!

NJterminator -> New York Giants: During a football game, are you constantly running to each player or, do you get to watch some of the game?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: During the game, one of the major parts is watching the game and making sure that if there is an issue, we as an equipment staff are ready to address it.

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, will there be any changes with the red away jerseys next year?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: The home, away and alternate jerseys can not change until 2010. But, we have the option to wear the alternate jersey if we choose to, it's not mandatory.

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, what made you throw out the chipped helmet from Ahmad Bradshaw from the Green Bay game? Paul Lukas would've loved it!

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: The reason I threw out the chipped helmet is because I wasn't thinking. The funny part is when you come home and watch the game; the fans actually posted the highlights of Ahmad's painted helmet chipping apart.

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, can you go into detail about Amani Toomer's different jersey that he used in the playoffs? It seemed like it was tailored differently on the sides....

NYG_Skiba_Equip ->New York Giants: Whenever we change the pattern of our jerseys, the NFL allows us to test the pattern on certain players for a couple of games - The purpose of this is to make sure the new pattern performs the way the players want them too.

NJterminator -> New York Giants: How can a person become a part of the equipment staff?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: By eating a lot of wheaties! Breaking into the equipment industry is very difficult. A lot of people don't understand is that being apart of an equipment staff takes a lot of hard work and time. You have to learn to fit players with helmets, shoulder pads and you also have to learn each shoe design by each company. Having the knowledge of how the body works and getting a feel for the players is the key to make everything work.

NJterminator -> New York Giants: What was your favorite moment of Super bowl 42?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: My favorite moment during the Super Bowl is when Eli kneeled on the football and I realized we were world champions!

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe any ideas about using different "NY" stickers on the helmets to prevent them from falling off in cold weather next year?

NYG_Skiba_Equip ->New York Giants: After seeing Ahmads' helmet in Buffalo, we actually tested a theory with our reconditioner when I noticed Ahmad keeping his helmet right next to the portable heaters on the sidelines - what we found out was, when the helmet stays that close to the heat, the paint actually heats up and it causes the paint to come off the shell. The theory proved correct when in Buffalo, against NE the first time around and Green Bay the paint chipped. And then in Dallas, Tampa and the Super Bowl it didn't happen.

NJterminator -> New York Giants: I have seen practically all of your "Equipped w/ Joe Skiba" episodes on Giants.com and I think it you are awesome to meet these players and develop the relationship you have with them. How long have you been an equipment manager, especially with the Giants?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: I started at the age of 17 in the organization. I learned my trade from very knowledgeable people in this organization as well as the NFL.

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, how much work will the changing of the NFL shield logo next season cause for you?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: The league is actually sending us 1,000 patches to patch on various garments, practice pants, jerseys as well such things as rain capes. Companies such as Nike, Reebok and Under Armour have been notified by the updated change and will plan accordingly.

geneincal -> New York Giants: Joe- When does Bike still make the air helmet?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: I think I know what you mean...The Bike helmet that was used in the late 90's/early 2000's was recently purchased by Adams USA...you can still see some worn in the NFL as well as NCAA...

ohiostate_fan -> New York Giants: What is Joe Montgomery up to these days? When are you going to draft more Buckeyes?

NYG_Skiba_Equip ->New York Giants: I was recently told that Joe runs a sports bar back in the Ohio State area.

NJterminator -> New York Giants: Do you still feel the rush flowing through you being that it has been a little over a month since the Giants have become champions?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: It's funny you ask that question. When in the work place we are now prepping for the 2008 season but when you go out to the store for instance and see people wearing championship clothing it finally sinks in.

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, have you been fitted for your Super Bowl ring yet?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Haha, yes Joey Gunns, size 9 ring finger...good question, never get sick of that one...

ohiostate_fan -> New York Giants: Who has the dirtiest locker?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: It's a Tie - My man Plax or Justin Tuck...no one else comes close...

56IsTheOnlyLT -> New York Giants: Joe, when the Giants reach the next uniform cycle in 2010, will you put in a good word to management to have the 1981-1999 throwbacks replace the reds as the alternate uniform?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: You might have to put a good word into me...hahaha...we shall see. I have two options planned for 2010 for the fans, both look sweet...don't worry nothing crazy, we'll see ownership thinks

rernsteins -> New York Giants: Who is the funniest player on the team?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: There's a couple, Shockey is the king of movie quotes, it's funny he actually answers your questions with movie lines. Another player that I'll throw out there is Fred "McLovin" Robbins...

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, what are some of your favorite college football uniforms? Please don't say Oregon....

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: I actually like some of Oregon's combos especially the white helmets...but to answer your question...Penn State, LSU, USC, Oklahoma...I love tradition...

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, what involvement do you have with the NFL draft?

NYG_Skiba_Equip ->New York Giants: I don't draft anyone, I leave that to the important people...This time of year I actually start slotting some numbers in preparation for the players that we draft...After selecting the players I'll inform Pat Hanlon on the numbers that are assigned.

rernsteins -> New York Giants: Joe how do u get along with Tom? Does he have a lot of input towards your job as equipment manager?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Coach Coughlin and I have a great relationship. To answer your question we work great together representing the New York Giants overall appearance and preparation of the players.

bavaroworld -> New York Giants: did you or your dept ever leave any important equipment back home on a road trip?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Thank God no...whatever we pack we take back with us...

NJterminator -> New York Giants: How do you feel personally, knowing you provided great equipment that contributed to building a Super Bowl Champion team?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: I'm just one member of a great football staff...being good at what you do is treating your players with the best care no matter if your 13-3 or 3-13...

Joey Guns -> New York Giants: Joe, I love the raised nose bumpers, especially the raised Riddell and raised NY! Any new ideas for the raised nose bumpers on the helmets for next year?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Just wait and see, like to keep the fans guessing...

bavaroworld -> New York Giants: who has the biggest helmet on the Giants?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Easy Kareem McKenzie, he'll deny it and say Chris Snee...hahaha

NJterminator -> New York Giants: Mr. Skiba, What are your main preparations for next season? Ordering equipment or other?

NYG_Skiba_Equip ->New York Giants: It's a little bit of everything...the job never ends...the season is 24/7/365 now...

NJterminator -> New York Giants: Strahan is believed or known as a prankster, have you ever been pranked by any of the players?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: thank God no...why? Can you imagine what I would do for revenge?

rernsteins -> New York Giants: Joe, How do u feel about the new Stadium that is being built?

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: I will tell you this, I grew up here and have many fond memories here...I'll be a mess...

NYG_Skiba_Equip -> New York Giants: Thanks Giants fans for your time...Make sure to visit Giants.com next week for my latest episode of "Equipped" with guest Mathias Kiwanuka.