HOF Game Countdown: Giants of #23
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Hall of Fame Game is in 23 days… in honor of our royal highness, LeBron James. NOT.
Former Giants cornerback Perry Williams wore #23 for the entirety of his NFL career, spanning ten Big Blue seasons. He was a starter on the 1986 Super Bowl team and served as valuable depth on the 1990 Champions. In terms of stature, Williams was a massive corner for the era he played in at 6’2 203 lbs. He wasn’t the most agile, but Williams was sharp, a secure tackler and Bill Parcells called him “the best-conditioned player I’ve ever had.”
Ironically, Williams signed on with the Jets during training camp in 1994, but he retired before the 53-man roster was set. He retired a career-Giant:
"“I don’t think I had the team made. But I felt the time had come. Physically, I felt I had something left. Mentally, I was starting to age a little bit. I was getting drained. I knew I was starting to lose it."
Who else donned the 23? How about another cornerback who twice road through the Canyon of Heroes — Mr. Corey Webster. C-Web’s nine-year run came to a close this offseason when the organization voided his 2014 contract. He remains a free agent.
Despite playing a vital role in the Giants pair of titles in 2007 and 2011, Webster’s character came under question late his tenure. Former Giants linebacker and current broadcaster Carl Banks tweeted this:
@ebenezersamuel @NYGCapCentral #webster 5mil x 4games played x 0surgeries = GRAND LARCENY! Jesse James used a gun.. pic.twitter.com/skSgS9Hpul
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) February 8, 2014
#23 will be transferred to the offensive side of the ball in 2014, as Rashad Jennings will display the number on his Giant uniform. GM Jerry Reese expects Jennings to carry the primary workload:
"“We brought in Rashad Jennings and he’s definitely a bell cow type of a running back – he can run it, he can catch it, he can block, he can do everything with it.”"
Jennings won’t shake and bake away from many would-be tacklers, but he will run OVER and THROUGH his fair share. He’ll have every opportunity to replace Ernie Koy as the most productive #23 wearing RB in New York Giants history. Does the 29-year old Jennings have the legs to get it done? How about a little “Wildcat” for some forward momentum…
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (Week 11, 2014)
Is it August 3rd yet?