Retired Giant David Tyree reflects on helmet catch, Eli Manning

Retired New York Giants WR David Tyree reflects on his Super Bowl XLII helmet catch and his relationship with Eli Manning.

Former New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree appeared on the MSG 150 at Home program this week to discuss his amazing football career.

Tyree was a special teams ace for the Giants in the mid-2000s who ended up becoming one of the most recognizable names in Giants history thanks to his amazing “helmet catch” that helped Big Blue knock off the undefeated New England Patriots, 17-14, in Super Bowl XLII.

It was an unlikely play to many football fans since Tyree was not used very often as a wide receiver. Ironically, Tyree had gotten the nicked-up Plaxico Burress’ reps in practice during the week and had flubbed almost every target he got the Friday before the game.

But when game-time rolled around, Tyree rose to the occasion. Whenever the Giants needed a big play on offense, Tyree was there to make it. He not only made the miraculous helmet grab, he also scored on a pass from Eli Manning early in the fourth quarter.

“For me, it’s this moment that I call the monumental moment,” Tyree said of the helmet catch. “It’s always something that I can go back to and celebrate with fans and teammates. And to be a part of history is pretty monumental. It’s amazing.”

Tyree admitted to hosts Bill Pidto, Alan Hahn and Cam Smith that he does not have the football that he caught against his helmet that day. Normally when players make significant plays in the field, they either take the ball home or donate it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Burress, who caught the winning touchdown minutes later, kept that football as it was same exact one used in the Tyree play earlier in the drive.

“That’s a true to the fact statement,” said Tyree. “He’s got the two-for-one of a lifetime.”

Like most Giants players, Tyree expressed his appreciation for having Manning as his quarterback.

“I think what I appreciate is the journey and evolution of Eli Manning,” he said. “When you’re drafted No. 1 overall, the expectations are extremely high. When you think about the legacy attached to the name and the many shoes he had to walk into, especially coming into New York City.

“And what I appreciate is that it wasn’t all roses when he first stepped into New York. But he just worked. He was consistent, he was full of integrity and he was full of character. He was the best teammate I think any of us ever played with throughout our years. He never spoke ill of his teammates. He was very true to himself and he improved and matured into a Hall of Fame quarterback.”

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