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Osi Umenyiora was predictably emotional when it came time to address the media one last time as a New York Giant. Following a highlight package shown by the team, Osi stepped in front of the mics for his retirement press conference.
.@OsiUmenyiora: "Effort is everything. I'm not gonna cry." pic.twitter.com/bYcn5dbPv3
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 26, 2015
Osi turned to laughter to fight the tears.
I'd say that at times Osi did seem like he was trying to fight back tears, but he made it by laughing.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) August 26, 2015
"For the past three weeks I've been in negotiations with Jerry Reese about this one day contract." - Osi Umenyiora #GiantsPride
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 26, 2015
Osi Umenyiora says he spent 3 weeks negotiating this deal: "I wanted a two-day contract. Jerry wasn't having it."
— Ebenezer Samuel (@ebenezersamuel) August 26, 2015
That, of course is a reference to Osi's relationship with General Manager Jerry Reese, which turned contentious over the subject of his contract. After leaving New York, Osi came to appreciate how great it is to be a Giant
Osi Umenyiora says he could be "a real knucklehead" sometimes.
— Ebenezer Samuel (@ebenezersamuel) August 26, 2015
"I'll never forget Mr. Mara visiting me in the hospital in 2008 when I was going to miss the entire season." - Osi Umenyiora
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 26, 2015
Osi Umenyiora: "There's nothing like being a New York Giant, and I wish some of the players here would understand that."
— Ebenezer Samuel (@ebenezersamuel) August 26, 2015
Osi said he learned the grass isn't always greener on the other side re: going to Atlanta.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) August 26, 2015
Osi Umenyiora at retirement presser says he was openly cheering for the Giants while watching on Falcons flights. "It was that Giant in me."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 26, 2015
The now-retired defensive end also reminisced about some of the greatest moments wearing the lower case ny
Osi Umenyiora on his two Super Bowl wins: "The second one was good, but the first one was unreal." #NYG #Giants
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 26, 2015
Osi says he's "pretty sure God himself" didn't think the #Giants could beat the 18-0 Patriots in SB42.
— James Kratch (@JamesKratch) August 26, 2015
Osi Umenyiora said he got an offer from a team yesterday. "Either I was going to play for the Giants or I wasn't going to play at all."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 26, 2015
Osi was also asked about the story that has dominated Giants' coverage since the Fourth of July.
Osi Umenyiora FaceTimed JPP recently. He said JPP will return "whenever he's ready ... His team needs him."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) August 26, 2015
Osi Facetimed w/JPP week or two ago. Said he seemed like himself #Giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 26, 2015
And speaking about another young defensive end, Owa Odighizuwa -- who regards Osi Umenyiora as one of his role models -- finally got the chance to meat Osi.
#Giants rookie Owa Odighizuwa was in auditorium for Osi Umenyiora's entire retirement news conference, watching in awe w/ Spags by his side.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 26, 2015
Osi said he thinks Owa is going to be a great player.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) August 26, 2015
So what is next for Osi? The thoughtful and well spoken Giant will be joining the media. In London.
Osi Umemyiora has a job with NFL broadcasting/promoting game in London. Wants to be the Michael Strahan of London #Giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 26, 2015
Osi Umenyiora is headed to London after this. Has taken a job for the NFL. "A little bit of broadcasting, a little bit of teaching the game"
— Ebenezer Samuel (@ebenezersamuel) August 26, 2015
This seems like a perfect marriage. Osi has tremendous knowledge and experience, and was born in London. The NFL wants to expand American Football into Europe and a viable NFL franchise in London is seen as the first step.
Osi finished up by truly going home and swinging by the Giants' locker room.
Osi Umenyiora swung by #Giants locker room to chat it up a bit w/ Eli Manning, current players + former teammates after his news conference.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 26, 2015