Tag: Tom Coughlin

Michael Strahan urges Giants fans to remain patient: ‘We’ll be back’

During his jersey retirement on Sunday, Michael Strahan urged New York Giants fans to remain patient, promising the team will be back.

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At halftime of Sunday’s 13-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants retired the jersey of Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan.

It was a long time coming.

As Strahan thanked his former teammates and the Giants organization, fans once again booed when the names John Mara and Steve Tisch were mentioned. Rather than ignore it as Eli Manning had done before him, Strahan took the opportunity to remind Giants fans just how good they’ve had it.

“I’ve got to say this: Every team has their ups and downs,” Strahan said to the crowd. “But the New York Giants have won Super Bowls. There are teams that never have. Appreciate what you got. We will be back! We will be up again! I guarantee you that!”

Leave it to Strahan to bring his leadership back to the table 14 years after he last stepped onto the field.

“To be here today does not mean my journey is over,” Strahan said. “It just means my journey in a uniform is complete. I want to thank you for taking a 15-year journey. I love you, New York Giants fans.”

Strahan also took the opportunity to poke a little fun at his former head coach, Tom Coughlin. Although he credited Coughlin with making him a better player and man, Strahan couldn’t help but to poke fun at Coughlin’s five-minute rule one final time.

“I want to thank all my teammates because I stand up here, but I stand on your shoulders,” Strahan said. “You guys made me better as a player, you made me better as a leader, you made me better as a man. Coach Coughlin, I can’t thank you enough. Completely changed my life. I almost came out here five minutes late just to [expletive] him off.”

In fitting fashion, Strahan ended his ceremony with one last, “we will stomp you out!” And the Giants defense did just that in his honor, limiting the Eagles to only seven points while forcing four turnovers.

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Ex-Giant David Tyree on Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin, his TV show and much more

Retired New York Giants WR David Tyree talks his “Odds with Ends” show, Eli Manning, Daniel Jones, Tom Coughlin and more with Giants Wire.

Over the weekend, former New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree sat down with Giants Wire to discuss his recent new venture: co-hosting his new show with another former Giant, Mathias Kiwanuka, called “Odds with Ends” on MSG Network.

After spending some time in the Giants’ front office during his post-playing career as the director of player development, Tyree is moving on to a role in television.

While discussing his newest venture, Tyree was asked about Daniel Jones’ future with the Giants, Eli Manning’s potential call to Canton and his well-documented bad practice prior to Super Bowl XLII.

Giants’ Joe Judge offers support, prayers to Tom Coughlin and his family

New York Giants coach Joe Judge opened his press conference on Wednesday by offering prayers and support to Tom Coughlin and his family.

On Tuesday morning, former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin revealed the devastating news that his beloved wife, Judy, had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy.

In an op-ed for the New York Times, Coughlin explained that the brain disorder has taken almost all of Judy’s ability to speak and move. As a result, he has become a full-time care-giver.

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“Our hearts are broken. Judy has been everything to our family. For the past four years, we’ve helplessly watched her go from a gracious woman with a gift for conversation, hugging all the people she met and making them feel they were the most important person in the room, to losing almost all ability to speak and move,” Coughlin wrote.

“She used to enjoy planning family get-togethers, going for morning walks and caring for her rosebushes; however, those activities are but distant memories. Her days are now filled with lying in bed, watching the Hallmark Channel, sitting in a wheelchair in the sun and receiving round-the-clock care. And what’s worse, she is trapped inside a body that will not allow her to be the person she was.”

As news of Judy’s condition spread, there was an outpouring of support for the Coughlin family from his former players, fans and members of the media alike.

On Wednesday, prior to a joint practice with the New England Patriots, that continued through current Giants head coach Joe Judge.

“I’d like to start off by offering our thoughts and prayers to Coach Coughlin and his wife, Judy,” Judge said. “What Coach Coughlin has done for the organization and his players speaks volumes. And he’s even taken it further with those dearest to him and his wife.

“So anything we can do to support the family as he supported the organization and always will — obviously Coach Coughlin has been great for me personally — so anything he ever needs from me, I’m here for him.”

Coughlin served as the Giants’ wide receiver coach from 1988 through 1990 and returned as their head coach from 2004 through 2015. During those two stints, Coughlin won three Super Bowl titles, including two as head coach.

Judy, of course, was by his side the entire time.

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Tom Coughlin writes heartfelt essay about wife’s battle with brain illness

Former NFL coach Tom Coughlin writes essay about an illness his wife Judy is battling

Former Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin wrote a moving essay in The New York Times on Tuesday, explaining his wife, Judy, is battling a brain disorder.

Coughlin opened the piece by explaining people had been wondering why Judy had not been in photos recently at events for the Jay Fund, which was created in memory of his son who died after a battle with leukemia while a member of Coach Coughlin’s team at Boston College.

After several years of doctors trying to pinpoint the disease that has been slowly taking her from us, Judy was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in 2020. It is a brain disorder that erodes an individual’s ability to walk, speak, think and control body movements. It steals memories and the ability to express emotions and, sadly, is incurable.

Coughlin has become the caregiver for his wife.

Judy’s decline has been nothing but gut-wrenching and has placed me in a club with the tens of millions of other Americans who serve as a primary caregiver for a loved one. Admittedly, transitioning from being with an N.F.L. franchise to full-time caregiver wasn’t easy. It’s still not easy. The playbook is either changing by the minute or so numbingly repetitious, you lose track of time and self.

I’ve learned firsthand caregiving is all-consuming. It is mentally and physically exhausting. Sometimes you just need a break. When Judy is having a good day, then my day is good. But then there are dark days — those days that are so full of frustration and anger, they have me feeling like a failure and pondering the unfairness of the disease. I’ve spent my entire life preparing for some of the biggest games a person could play, but nothing can prepare you to be a caregiver who has to watch a loved one slip away.

Wishing the best and sending prayers to Judy Coughlin and the extended family of Coach Coughlin.

Tom Coughlin shares heartbreaking update on his wife, Judy

Former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin reveals that his amazing wife, Judy, has been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy.

New York Giants fans are extremely familiar with Judy Coughlin, the lovely wife of Tom Coughlin who wore an ear-to-ear smile any time she made an appearance.

Whether it was bringing treats to Giants players, participating in Jay Fund Foundation events or even appearing in documentaries about Tom’s time in East Rutherford, Judy always manifested positive energy.

But Judy has been noticeably absent for the past year-plus and Tom has finally decided to explain why.

In a heartbreaking piece published in New York Times, Tom reveals that Judy has been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy — a brain disorder that is incurable.

“Our hearts are broken. Judy has been everything to our family. For the past four years, we’ve helplessly watched her go from a gracious woman with a gift for conversation, hugging all the people she met and making them feel they were the most important person in the room, to losing almost all ability to speak and move,” Tom wrote.

“She used to enjoy planning family get-togethers, going for morning walks and caring for her rosebushes; however, those activities are but distant memories. Her days are now filled with lying in bed, watching the Hallmark Channel, sitting in a wheelchair in the sun and receiving round-the-clock care. And what’s worse, she is trapped inside a body that will not allow her to be the person she was.”

Tom has taken on the role of full-time caregiver — a role he had not intended to play and one he has struggled to adjust to.

But Tom has stayed true to his wedding day promise. He remains by Judy’s side doing all he can to comfort the love of his life while battling with the reality of their current situation.

“Taking care of Judy is a promise I made 54 years ago when she was crazy enough to say ‘I do,'” Tom added. “I do want the players I coached in college and in the N.F.L. who thought all my crazy ideas about discipline, commitment and accountability ended when they left the field to know that is not the case. The truth is that is when those qualities matter most. A friend said we don’t get to choose our sunset, and that’s true, but I am so blessed to get to hold Judy’s hand through hers.”

The thoughts, prayers and love of Giants Nation are with Tom and Judy. She was as much a part of the team as he was and holds a special place in the hearts of millions.

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Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Young players won’t understand Tom Coughlin

Ex-New York Giants CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie praised his former coach, Tom Coughlin, but admits younger guys won’t understand him.

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Most players who played under former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin have nothing but good things to say.

Coughlin, of course, earned a lot of respect from his players and fans during his time with the Giants due to his victories over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI.

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Although Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie did not win a Super Bowl with Coughlin, the time he spent with the coach still appears to be something the former NFL cornerback values.

“I think when you’re young, you’re not going to understand Tom Coughlin. You know, because when I got there everything [was] structured and it makes sense,” DRC told Giants Wire last week. “Tom Coughlin is a coach that not only prepares you for on the field, but off the field for life as well with all his rules as far as coming in early. You know he set all the clocks in the locker room five, 10 minutes earlier and the way you had to dress in and out of the hotel.

“Younger guys aren’t going to understand that but the older you get, you’re going to understand that it’s more than just football with him. He’s really preparing you for life after football. I think I got that after he left.”

It didn’t feel that way for Rodgers-Cromartie initially. It was a bit of a shock but it didn’t take him long to figure things out with the help of safety Antrel Rolle.

“At first I came in like, ‘all these rules, man.’ Coming from teams where it wasn’t that structured, it was kind of hard but I got it — once Antrel Rolle sat me down and was like ‘this is how he is, he’s not budging for nobody. I don’t care how good you are, how many plays you’ve played, it’s his way’ — and you have to understand that and buy in,” he said.

Coughlin was always a tough coach with the Giants, but he was also always fair and most of his former players can attest to that.

Rodgers-Cromartie likely got to appreciate Coughlin after their time together was over. When Coughlin departed, things changed rather drastically under Ben McAdoo.

The structure that Coughlin brought to the table likely led to the Giants two Super Bowl victories. It also set his players up to be better men away from the field, which is something most value more than the rings.

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Jalen Ramsey takes a deeper dive into Jags saga, reveals who was ‘disrespectful’ to him before trade

We all know about Jalen Ramsey’s issues with Tom Coughlin, but on the ‘Catching Fades’ podcast with Aqib Talib, Ramsey claimed that former GM Dave Caldwell disrespected him, too.

One of the darkest periods in Jacksonville Jaguars history was when the news broke of All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey wanting a trade from the organization. A former Top-5 selection from the 2016 NFL Draft, Ramsey was probably as big of a defensive star as a small market team could have, and much of that was because he backed it up on the field. 

However, during the Jags’ second regular-season game of the 2019 season, it all hit the fan after Ramsey got into a verbal altercation with former Jags head coach Doug Marrone. As heated as that argument looked, though, it wasn’t the issue that led to Ramsey leaving — instead, it was a confrontational meeting with management after the game that left him feeling disrespected. 

In an interview with Aqib Talib on the “Catching Fades” podcast, Ramsey shared new details about how the post-game conversation went down. After Week 2’s game of 2019 (against Houston) the All-Pro corner says he was approached by son of Shad Khan, Tony Khan, (both of whom he said he respects), who asked Ramsey if he’d be willing to chat with them privately. However, when Ramsey came to the meeting, he was shocked to see that two others were standing alongside the ownership duo. 

Of course, as confirmed in 2019, one of those people was front-office leader Tom Coughlin. The other, according to Ramsey, was former general manager Dave Caldwell, who didn’t initially speak as Shad Khan started the conversation.

“I get in the office and it’s Tony, Shad, Tom Coughlin, and Dave Caldwell,” said Ramsey. “It’s four of them in there and then it’s just me and they were like…standing like in a semi-circle just all looking at me. So I’m hot now […] first of all, you told me it was just you and pops and now I’m in here [with more than ownership].

“[…] I want to say Shad started to speak first and was very respectful. You know ‘Jalen we got a lot of respect for your game’ this, that whoop-de-woo… ‘Are you and Doug going to be good? We don’t want anything going on between a key player and our head coach.’ I’m like ‘We good. It is what it is and that’s just part of the game.'”

Ramsey said that after Shad Khan spoke, Tony Khan chimed in with many of the same sentiments and suggested that Ramsey at least consider apologizing.

“Tony said something, too, and was real respectful, again,” Ramsey said. “Basically repeated what his dad said and kind of kept it moving like ‘Man we really think y’all should talk before anybody talks to the media. Y’all two should talk just to make sure y’all good and maybe you need to apologize to him.’

“And then I told him […] ‘Respectfully, I’m not about to apologize to him.’ I said, ‘That’s a part of the game. Emotions get high and we might get into it. It ain’t no beef, ain’t nothing going on between us. Me and coach good. We’ve always been good.'” 

Back when this was originally reported in 2019, Coughlin was widely speculated to be the one who Ramsey was referring to when he said he was disrespected. However, in this particular meeting, Ramsey says it was Caldwell who angered him in a confrontation that Ramsey claims was explosive.

“So then, Dave Caldwell, who was the GM…he took the total opposite — I guess they were in there playing good cop, bad cop. He took the total opposite approach. He started cussing and started trying to cuss me out, like ‘You need to go [expletive] apologize.’ […] I said ‘No, that ain’t happening.’ 

“And then he said something else, but I forgot what he said. You know how when you’re in shock sometimes, you give like that little laugh, like ‘He’s crazy.’ So, I gave him a little grin and he’s like ‘Oh, is this funny to you?’ And I just started shaking my head, and then he was like, ‘Well, just get the [expletive] out!’ And he opened the door, and I just walked out like laughing a little bit, and he slammed the door behind me.”

Ramsey said that’s when he called his agent, David Mulugheta, and informed him that he wanted a trade as the team seemed content with losing and didn’t handle business well. Many fans would agree after the team overpaid the wrong people (Blake Bortles and Nick Foles) and seemingly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by letting homegrown talent escape their clutches (like Allen Robinson, Yannick Ngakoue, Ramsey). 

Another issue presented by Ramsey’s retelling is that, if it’s an accurate summary of events, Coughlin and Caldwell had an unusually high level of involvement in the conflict. As front-office members, player-to-coach situations aren’t for them to handle. The issue might have been best left to those involved and ownership, if necessary.

Of course, as owner and the man who hired Caldwell and Coughlin, Shad Khan shares some accountability here. But after allegedly witnessing this situation with Caldwell, the team’s friction with Coughlin, and its dysfunction in general, it appears ownership was taking notes. 

If Ramsey’s explanation of that fateful meeting is accurate, it’s clear why Khan moved to a coach-centric approach with Urban Meyer, where the coach’s vision takes priority over others in the organization. 

Must See: Brian Kelly’s reaction to ’93 Notre Dame-Boston College

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly had the same reaction every Notre Dame fan does whenever they hear about the ’93 Boston College upset.

If you’re a Notre Dame fan you already know the heartbreak and pain that comes with thinking about the series with Boston College.

Sure, Notre Dame leads all-time head-to-head with the Eagles 16-9, but the most memorable moment of the series came in 1993 when Tom Coughlin, Glen Foley and Boston College came to South Bend a week after the Irish upset No. 1 Florida State and ruined the title dreams.

If you’re a Notre Dame fan, regardless of age, you’re undoubtedly sick and tired of hearing about that game.

The good news for you is that so is Brian Kelly.

During his Thursday media availability Kelly was asked about the ’93 meeting with Boston College and his reaction was exactly that of every Notre Dame fan whenever that game is brought up.

Kelly eventually responded to being asked about that game by saying:

“It’s more about where your mind is at and and who you’re playing. If we were playing a JV team, it wouldn’t matter. That BC team that Notre Dame played, I think it was a nationally ranked team. It was a really good football team. This is a really good football team we’re playing, so it matters who you’re playing. We’re playing them in their red bandanna game, which is their most sacred game, if you will. There’s certainly a lot to the BC-Notre Dame game. We talk about much more in terms of how we’re preparing for a team that is a really good football team and certainly that you’re the No. 2 team in the country, you have a target on your back. That’s really much more relevant than the historical significance of the game and if they understand that, then you’re going to get the preparation that you need so you’re prepared to play at the level you need to play at.”

Related: A look back at Notre Dame’s most recent meeting with Boston College

Did Giants’ Joe Judge take a shot at Rex Ryan and the Bills?

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge appeared to take a shot at Rex Ryan and his time with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

It’s rare that an NFL team loses a game before its played, but New York Giants head coach Joe Judge says he saw that happen a time or two while with the New England Patriots.

Although Judge admits no team ever lost to the Pats simply because they were in awe of the dynasty team, he did say opposing head coaches would sometimes arrogantly out-think themselves.

And by “opposing head coaches,” Judge really just meant Rex Ryan during his time with the Buffalo Bills.

“I can’t think of any times before the game where we knew they lost because they were in awe,” Judge told reporters, “but I think there were times we played that we knew they lost based on how they were going to handle situations with the weather — and there were other times we saw teams that came in too overconfident and too over-focused on just a couple people.

“I can recall games with Buffalo circa 2014-15-16, and there were a lot of times where there was too much stuff pregame. And you kind of understood, ‘They are not really tuned in to the game. They are worrying too much about some kind of matchup or something that they had heard or read about in headlines that week and not really focused on the game.’ ”

Even prior to his time with the Bills, Ryan would often refer to New England as the “hatred Patriots” and would repeatedly engage in various sorts of nonsense — something that also carried over when facing the Giants.

“Normally when I see that from teams, you know they are not locked in for 60 minutes on the situations that come up and the adjustments within the game. That, to me, is always the trigger,” Judge said. “The emotion within the game is something you have to balance.”

There was no balance with Rex during his time in East Rutherford or Buffalo. He was completely fixated on the Patriots and Giants, as well as Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin. It was an obsession, and Ryan legitimately thought he was better than both of those coaches.

“It’s not coming in in awe of a team,” Judge said, “But coming in overconfident or coming in focused on the wrong thing. We always try to bring it back with our players to, ‘You have your job and your responsibility to focus on. Keep it to that. Let’s make sure we focus on the keys and techniques we have to execute within the game.’ If we can tie that together for 60 minutes, the results are pretty good.”

Ryan never had that focus and as a result, his Bills teams went 1-3 against the Patriots during Judge’s time there. Ryan is now unemployed, while Belichick remains at his post in New England and Judge leads the Giants.

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