With summer heating up, the Giants.com crew discusses memorable training camp stories.
John Schmeelk: Wow, this is a tough one because training camp is so repetitive and everything tends to blend together, but I will always remember the years we spent in Albany, N.Y. Everyone within the organization had a chance to bond with one another. There were nightly basketball games and then trips to downtown Albany. Living in the dorm rooms and being able to bike back-and-forth to the racquetball courts, where our production studios were set up, and then going between the practice fields and the cafeteria was fun. It was truly an experience that I will miss, even though being away from home for a week at a time could be a little rough.
There were other unique parts of the Albany experience. The ice tubs for the players were under a tent outside the athletic facility. When it rained, the players had to do walkthroughs in the gymnasium (which Tom Coughlin disliked). In addition, the fans could get close to the players as they navigated the campus.
In terms of the practices, coach Coughlin's commanding presence will always stand out. Somehow, he was able to see it all - no matter where he was standing on the practice field or what was happening. It didn't matter if it was something important or potentially insignificant, he could use it to give you a hard time when he saw you in the hallway later. He saw EVERYTHING.
I'm having trouble remembering anything specific on the field. The most explosive players I've seen in action were Victor Cruz, David Wilson, Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley. Watching these amazing athletes up close was fun. Witnessing the battles between the Giants' offensive and defensive lines in 2007-08 were a blast, including the annual first fight of camp between guard Richie Seubert and one of the defensive linemen.
I hope this year's camp, as unique as it is going to be, will provide similar memories as we learn a lot about Joe Judge and how he is going to run his team.
Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.
New York Giants offensive linemen Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69), and David Diehl (66) break huddle during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, shares a laugh linebacker Pepper Johnson during the team's training camp on July 31, 1993 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
All-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor foreground, works out with his New York Giants teammates on Sunday, August 15, 1983 in Pleasantville, N.Y.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Tackle Roosevelt Grier, right, and line backer Harland Svare, left, of the New York Giants football team tune up their guitars following a "skull session" at Bear Mountain, New York, training camp on August 27, 1959. Rookie quarterback Lee Grosscup, watches. (AP Photo/Arthur Z. Brooks)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (97) practices with linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Saturday, July 28, 2007. With him are E.J. Underwood, left, and Antonio Pierce, right. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants football players Corey Webster, left, Sam Madison and Will Demps, right, enjoy a laugh on the sidelines during a practice session at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss attempts to catch the football at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Allie Sherman, coach of football's New York Giants, poses at the team's training camp, Aug. 3, 1964 at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress speaks with reporters after arriving at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giant Corey Webster tosses a ball during an evening practice session at the Giants training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants Hall of Fame defensive end Andy Robustelli (81) poses for a photo during training camp at Fairfield University at Fairfield, Ct., 1962. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants football linebacker Antonio Pierce smiles at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
First-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan works out at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Dusty Zeigler (52) and linebacker Jesse Armstead (98) scuffle during training camp drills Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Pete Monty, left, tries to break up the action. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl, left, trades a high five with a young fan as her father holds her during autograph day following a team practice at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants rookie running back Ron Dayne runs through drills during training camp, Saturday, July 22, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner was the Giants first round draft pick this year.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs arrives to football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs wind sprints at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan takes a break during training camp drills, Sunday, July 23, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
The New York Giants' Super Bowl trophy is placed on display during a news conference in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, as the Giants prepare to begin their summer football training camp. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree, left, tries to evade cornerback Corey Webster (23) during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) signs autographs after a practice at the NFL football team's training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) signs autographs after NFL football training camp practice at the Quest Diagnostics training center on Thursday July 26, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross signs autographs for fans at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) during NFL training camp practice on July 31, 2016 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws during practice at the Giants football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants offensive linemen Rich Seubert, left, and Chris Snee perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins, right, signs autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University of Albany today, and have a new three year contract to return.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor wears a smile as he comes out of the team's locker room to start practice at the Los Angeles Rams training camp at Anaheim, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 24, 1987. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants players Keith Bulluck (53) and Osi Umenyiora (72) walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the Giants' football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is besieged by autograph-seeking fans after a practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kicker Joe Danelo of the New York Giants pushes the pedals of his exercise bike at the Giants training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 1982 in Pleasantville, New York. (AP Photo/Paul Burnett)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles kicks the ball at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks to players during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Osi Umenyiora speaks with reporters as he arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive back Carl "Spider" Lockhart (43) poses for a photo during training camp in Fairfield, Ct., 1974. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ahmad Bradshaw arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Justin Tuck arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tackle Roosevelt Grier, who has made several popular recordings, sings as his teammate Erich Barnes plays the piano at Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain, New York on Dec. 26, 1962. The Giants have been traveling from Bear Mountain to nearby West Point for indoor drills in preparation for the National Football League title game with the Green Bay Packers at New York's Yankee Stadium on December 30. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterbacks Eli Manning (10) and Andre Woodson walk to the practice field during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells talks with reporters during the first day of NFL training at the team's training camp on the campus of Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. Parcells, who coached the Giants to the 1987 Super Bowl championship, started the team training out with emphasis on weightlifting, sprints and rookies. The entire team is due to arrives by Friday when squads will practice together. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Fullback Alex Webster of the New York Football Giants poses at the team's training camp in Fairfield, Conn. Sept 3, 1963. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee, center, blocks players on all sides during the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer is mobbed by fans seeking autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University at Albany today, and have a new contract to return for three more years. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants defensive back Antrel Rolle (26) is shown at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants all-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor goes through training camp exercises after reporting to the Giants camp in Pleasantville, N.Y. on Sunday, August 14, 1983. (AP Photo/David Handschuh)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) signs autographs for Holt and Kirstin Wooddell of Burgaw, North Carolina at the Giants training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University, July 19, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
The New York Giants practice during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. with the New York City skyline in the background. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton, left, talks with quarterback Jason Garrett during training camp, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Payton was named offensive coordinator by coach Jim Fassel during the off season and will be the Giants play caller this season. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes as tight end Jeremy Shockey covers at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs talks with some fans during NFL football training camp Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle Lomas Brown, left, works against Cedric Jones during training camp drills, Monday, July 24, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. Brown is a sixteen year veteran originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1985. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley walks by a practice field as teammates work out during NFL football training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn, left, gets instruction from head coach Jim Fassel during training camp drills, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants players finish drills during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks past his huddle during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) and teammates during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara wears a bandage during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. The bandage is a mimic to one that Giants quarterback Eli Manning is wearing after suffering an injury in a pre-season game against the New York Jets. (AP Photo/Tom Canavan)
New York Giants fans watch practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells, right, and place kicker Eric Schubert (3) stroll through a light drizzle delaying their workout at the Atlanta Falcons training camp at Suwanee, Ga., Aug. 8, 1986. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) and Mario Manningham (82) talk during NFL football training camp on Sunday August 7, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (72) and Chris Canty (99) walk to practice during NFL football training camp on Saturday August 7, 2010 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz catches a pass during NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) talks with Justin Tuck (91) during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Dave Tollefson (71) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Zak DeOssie walks to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants first-round draft pick, tight end Jeremy Shockey works out during his first practice at the Giants' summer training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, July 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive ends Justin Tuck (91) and Jason Pierre-Paul (90)perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11), left, talks with Giants offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt during training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., July 22, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce talks to reporters during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) signs autographs at NFL football training camp on Thursday August 4, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Victor Cruz runs a play on the first day of NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Sunday, August 1, 2010 (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning walks the field after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock signs autographs during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara (60), David Diehl (66) and Kareem McKenzie during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Offensive lineman David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants signs autographs following practice at training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autogrpahs after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans watch practice at the University at Albany during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, reaches out to fans on his way to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants talks tobhis teammates after practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree drinks some water during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Kevin Dockery arrives at New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Cornerback Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass during practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara gets ready to snap the ball during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
WR Sterling Shepard (87) & Michael Strahan at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Alumni Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl & David Tyree New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
RB Saquon Barkley (26) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
LB Tae Davis (58) New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
TE Evan Engram (88) & RB Saquon Barkley (26) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Quaterbacks Kyle Lauletta (17), Alex Tanney (3), Eli Manning (10), and Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Defensive line drill at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
RB Saquon Barkley (26) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
RB Saquon Barkley (26) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Eli Manning (10) & RB Saquon Barkley (26) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Sterling Shepard (3)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Sterling Shepard (3)
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen talks with former NFL coach Bill Cowher during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach
DL Leonard Williams (99)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
Head Coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning,
New York Giants Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
T Andrew Thomas (78), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (78) signs autographs following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dan Salomone: This will be my 11th training camp, which believe it or not, still makes me a newbie by Giants' media standards. I think we need to get Paul Dottino and Michael Eisen on a podcast to discuss this more in depth. Regardless, a few things immediately come to mind: First, is Richie Seubert fighting. Second, is the Tom Coughlin post-practice press conference. Third, includes everything that's not for public consumption.
One story in particular, though, jumps out. The 2010 preseason game between the Giants and Jets was significant for a football game in August. It was the first game in MetLife Stadium, an undrafted rookie named Victor Cruz caught three touchdown passes, and Eli Manning dripped so much blood that center Shaun O'Hara said it was "something out of a Friday The 13th movie." That's where this training camp story comes in. The three-inch gash on the left side of Manning's forehead was a result of a botched play when Brandon Jacobs accidentally clipped him with his shoulder and propelled him into a sandwich between Jets defenders Calvin Pace and Jim Leonhard. When the Giants reported to Albany for their next practice, all the offensive linemen walked by the media (which was the only way to the cafeteria) with bandages on their foreheads.
This happened during my first month on the job and will stay with me forever. As an intern at the time, my first stories were on Bear Pascoe and some other reserves. So it was cool to see a role player wind up catching a touchdown pass in the 2011 NFC Championship Game and winning a Super Bowl.
Lance Medow: Let's go back to the summer of 2012. The Giants signed tight end Martellus Bennett, who spent his first four seasons in the league with the Cowboys (behind Jason Witten). Bennett was itching to become a team's No. 1 tight end and the Giants were looking for someone to fill the void left behind by Jake Ballard, who tore his left ACL in the second half of Super Bowl XLVI. It didn't take long for Bennett to break out of his shell, on and off the field, as he immediately showcased his unique personality.
When Bennett arrived in Albany for training camp, during his first encounter with the Giants media, he gave a classic response to the question of "How is your conditioning with your extra weight?" Said Bennett: "I'm kind of bigger than I was. I'm more muscular than I was in the past. I actually started lifting weights really, really hard. But I'm in the best shape I've ever been. Ask any of the guys in the camp, I'm stronger than I've ever been, I'm faster than I've ever been. I could run all day. I'm kind of like a black unicorn out there. It's amazing to watch."
Bennett's humorous responses didn't end there. In that same interaction with reporters, he also compared offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to "Professor Dumbledore," a character from Harry Potter, because of Gilbride's attention to detail and his ability to explain the offense clearly to his players. The coach even used his wife's decision-making process when choosing a meal to make a point about Eli Manning's decisiveness on and off the field. Bennett only played one season with the Giants, but he set the tone in training camp for what ultimately became an extremely entertaining season full of memorable lines and media sessions. He was quite the character.
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