By Jason, from New Jersey
I have been a loyal and life-long giants fan for as long as I care to remember. Regardless of the teams success, or lack thereof, I remained "true blue" in my commitment to one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League. As far as my favorite all-time moment, that took some thought. Obviously all fans share a fondness for the three Superbowl victories against the Broncos, Bills and Pats respectively. The classic players like Gifford, Huff, Katcavage, Connerly, Summerall, Barnes; even dating back perhaps to coach Steve Owen or center Mel Hein, make me wish for the way the sport used to be played, as opposed to some aspects of the game today. I think back to the players of my era such as Hampton, Armstead, Strahan, Tiki (or the underappreciated Shaun Williams, Ron Stone or Chris Calloway)- and the "greats" like Thomas Lewis, Ron Dayne, Cedric Jones, and Kent Graham. But in narrowing my moments down, I decided to use a personal approach. What Big Blue moment had the most individual impact or meaning to me?
The first game I ever went to was after years of trying, my pops was able to score us four tickets in the section where real, hard-working, blue collar fans sit... the nosebleeds of course. It had to be late 90's, and the G-Men were facing the Redskins. If memory serves me correctly, this would be possibly '97 when the Giants would go on to finish undefeated in the NFC East for the first time in history- with Danny Kanell at QB no less! My two favorite players were Charles Way (the most under-rated FB ever) and Jason Sehorn. On this day, I got to see my favorite team WIN versus a division rival, my favorite offensive player scored a rare TD, and Sehorn returned an INT for a TD! It was a true tri-fecta that is incomparable, but made more so because of the personal effect it had on me. To see so much happen in a meaningful contest, at a game for the first time- made this particular experience one that I will never forget. I remember walking into the stadium, finally after years of driving by or waiting in the lot just to catch a glimpse in Pre-Season, and having a checklist of things I wanted to happen. The stadium did not disappoint, neither did the team.
Even though this may not be "legendary" like Tyree's grab or Norwood's missed field goal, but maybe that's why it means so much to me. That's why giants fans are the best fans in the world, because we have an unmatched love of the game. Whether its first place or dead last, we love the little things about OUR team.
Great post Jason!
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