The last time the Giants were together en masse, they were getting showered by confetti in a wild and emotional ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes, an honor befitting their extraordinary triumph over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
What took place yesterday was far more mundane, but certainly important, as much of the team attended the start of the voluntary offseason workout program at Giants Stadium.
“It is good to get back to start lifting and doing things together because this is what got us to where we were last year,” left tackle David Diehl said.
“Doing all these things during the offseason together, spending all this time working out, lifting and running, and this is how you build the momentum for the season coming up.”
Super Bowl hero David Tyree called it “like a family reunion,” although not every member of the family made it back. Michael Strahan is on vacation in Africa.
Osi Umenyiora, who wants an upgrade on the six-year, $41 million contract extension he signed two years ago, is at his home in Atlanta and likely will remain there for much of the program.
Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey are rehabilitating from injuries in Miami. Eli Manning had a previous commitment but is expected later in the week.
The vast majority of the team is expected to take part in the program, which was the case a year ago when the Giants believe the seeds of their Super Bowl success were planted. Mathias Kiwanuka, coming off a broken leg, was in attendance on Day One.
The program, beginning 57 days after the Super Bowl, ends with a three-day mandatory mini-camp June 11-13.
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The Giants received a compensatory pick in the April 26-27 NFL Draft based on the free agents they lost and signed last off-season. The extra draft choice will come at the end of the sixth round, the 199th overall selection.
The NFL yesterday confirmed the Giants will open the season in the traditional Thursday night season opener Sept. 4, facing the Redskins at Giants Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m., 90 minutes earlier than usual as so not to conflict with the broadcast of the Republican National Convention.