The New York Giants have been bringing back some of their stars to talk to the team at the OTAs, imparting the wisdom that comes from long careers and championship football.
So far, Giants legends Eli Manning, Ottis Anderson, Carl Banks, Lawrence Taylor, and Michael Strahan have talked to the team, pumping them up in the classroom and on the practice field.
But one of the biggest impacts came from running back Tiki Barber, who spent his entire 10-year career with the Giants. He rushed for 10,449 yards (a 4.7 average per carry) and scored 55 touchdowns, retiring on top in 2006 with 1,662 yards and 58 receptions.
He spoke about what it takes to be a New York Giants player.
“What it takes to be a Giant is one thing. That's effort. Work your ass off every day. It's what the coaches demand. It's what your fans will demand. It's work your ass off. If you work hard and you fail, they'll forgive you. As long as you get back up and do it again.”
That’s what it takes. But what it means to be a Giant is something very different, Barber noted.
“This is a historic franchise. And when you guys put these uniforms on to play on a Sunday afternoon, you're one of about 2,500. That's done this in a hundred years and that means something, especially when you consider that most organizations aren't a family like the Giants literally are a family.”
That special bond for Barber extended back to Giants great Frank Gifford, who gave Barber advice about living in the city and what he had to learn to have success in New York.
Barber also cited Lawrence Taylor as a symbol of Giants greatness.
“When you put on your uniform and you become great as a New York Giant, you start stepping in those guys' footsteps, right? All of those guys support you. I support you. Former Giants support you. You're standing on our shoulders. And when you become a part of that, you become something special. The New York Giants are different than any organization. I know the success hasn't been here recently, but this organization is different.”
Barber concluded by telling the team that the only thing they can give is their best.
“If it's not good enough, someone else will come do it. But give it your best because that's what this city, that's what this organization demands. And history tells you, if you do it well, you'll be remembered forever.”