Spotlight: David Tyree

by Ed Valentine on Jun 30, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants News

I haven't wanted to write this, though when I started my 'Spotlight' series on New York Giants' players I knew I would have to. I just don't see any way possible that Super Bowl 42 hero David Tyree can be a member of the 2009 team.

We know Tyree's story. Great special teams player early in his career, generally only playing as a wide receiver in emergencies when injuries left no one else available. He has just 54 pass receptions in a five-year career, including just four before making the two catches in Super Bowl 42 (a touchdown reception and the Harrison catch) that will forever cement him as a hero in Giants' lore.

We all also know that we have not seen Tyree since that glorious day when the Giants defeated the Patriots to win Super Bowl 42. He missed all of last season with knee and hamstring ailments.

His misfortunes have continued so far in 2009. Even without Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, the numbers are against Tyree. Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Sinorice Moss probably all get roster spots if everyone is healthy. Draft picks Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden will also get spots.

That makes six receivers, and it is highly unlikely the Giants keep more than that. Even if one of those guys goes down, or Moss gets traded, Tyree would have to fight Derek Hagan, Micah Rucker and Taye Biddle for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Sadly, Tyree is not even giving himself a chance to be part of the competition. He suffered a groin strain earlier this spring and hardly got on the field for OTAs or mini-camp.

David Tyree

#85 / Wide Receiver / New York Giants

Height: 6-0

Weight: 206

Born: Jan 03, 1980

College: Syracuse

Obviously, if he can't get on the field the Giants can't give him a roster spot out of sentimentality, then hope he can get healthy enough -- and stay healthy enough -- to prove he still has the athleticism to help this team.

I'm afraid Tyree is going to down without a fight, and while the future is more important than the past, that saddens me a little bit.

If Tyree wants to try and hook on with another team once the Giants -- inevitably -- cut him loose this summer, more power to him. I wish him well.

When former standout running back Charles Way had his career short-circuited by a knee injury, the Giants took him in and he is now the team's Director of Player Development.

If Tyree chooses to hang up his spikes, or finds no other takers, I hope the Giants will similarly do right by him. He deserves that much.

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Comments

That pretty much sums up my thoughts also

It is unfortunate. But to be fair to the team, you have to go into the season as healthy as possible. You have to have the best players possible to win as a team. It’s only fair to make way for a healthy WR/roster spot, rather than wait for him to become healthy, if at all. I guess, at the very least, perhaps they could put him on the IR again to still retain his rights?

by Hootman on Jun 30, 2009 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

Why the big deal?

Forever grateful? Sure. Heck as a Sox fan I’d buy Bill Mueller a beer if I ever saw him in a bar. But I don’t understand the angst around his apparently imminent departure. In sports, it’s not too uncommon for an otherwise ordinary or unremarkable athlete (by major league satndards) to simply rise up in a moment of glory, change history, and then fade away.
It happens. Thanks David Tyree, from the bottom of my heart. Best wishes wherever you go. We all owe you a drink or 10.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jun 30, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

To be honest...

I think that the Giants have already shown Tyree loyalty by putting him on the PUP list last season and cutting him checks for the past 12 months. If he didn’t make those catches, I think they would have released him after he got hurt last year. I really doubt that Tyree will hold any ill will towards the Giants when he gets cut.

by BigBlue84 on Jun 30, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions