Mark Herzlich: A Giant achievement
By Joe Micik
File this one under “Never had a doubt.”
Mark Herzlich, as I figured after watching all four Giants preseason games, made the final cut and will be a New York Giant for the 2011 NFL season, which, for Big Blue, begins one week from today in Washington.
For Herzlich, this means he has realized his lifelong dream as a professional football player, and for me, as a Giants fan and season-ticket holder, it gives me the chance to see him play weekly once again.
He is one of seven linebackers who made the team, and that is a group which features another Boston College standout: Mathias Kiwanuka.
"“Herzlich didn’t bat an eye the whole camp. Physically, he did everything you asked and more. I saw him improve literally week by week. He can play multiple positions. He’s very smart. He does an outstanding job on special teams. He’s told one time and he goes and does it. He deserves it.”"
This is high praise from Coughlin, a tough football coach who doubtlessly knows talent when he sees it, but also appreciates hard work and determination.
The New York Giants have established themselves as a “BC South” of sorts. Giants co-owner John Mara is a Boston College graduate and, as you’re possibly aware, a number of Maras have since attended BC. Coach Tom Coughlin was the coach of the Eagles from 1990-1993, and assistant offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, Jr. is the son of the former BC head coach Jack Bicknell, Sr., is a Boston College alum, and is a former BC assistant himself under Jeff Jagodzinski. Finally, the 53-man roster features three Eagles: in addition to Kiwanuka and Herzlich, OL Chris Snee (Coughlin’s son-in-law) is another alum.
The Giants won’t regret this decision, and Eagles fans have something to celebrate following yesterday’s disappointment at Alumni Stadium.