Hall of Fame Game Countdown: Giants of #18
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
In two weeks and four days, Giants Nation will be parked on its oversized couch to watch live action football. Better yet — in just six days, fans can head out to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center to consume some Giants training camp action.
So which Giants players have donned Darryl Strawberry’s #18 over the years? DISCLAIMER: the following list could lead to overexcitement and heart palpitations.
Punting legend Jeff Feagles wore 18 with the Giants from 2003-2009. He wasn’t a distance punter in the latter stages of his career, but Feagles survived on accuracy and placement. Feagles was the “coffin corner” master. He was a Pro Bowler in 2008 at age 42.
Wide receiver Louis Murphy carried the burden of #18 in 2013. Murphy was targeted 13 times in 14 active weeks en route to catching six balls for 37 yards (long of 8). His 4-yard touchdown catch with 4:45 remaining in week 12 versus Dallas knotted the score at 21 apiece (following a two-point conversion). Murphy is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (Week 12 vs. Dallas)
During the 2014 preseason, UDFA wide receiver Marcus Harris will inherit the beloved 18. An alum of Murray State, Harris has already been waived by the Lions and Titans since 2012. He did clock a 4.46 time in the forty-yard dash.
Other random significance of the number 18:
- Total kick return touchdowns in Giants history
- Touchdown passes thrown by Eli Manning in 2013
- Career TD passes for Joe Pisarcik (sorry, Giants fans)
- Career fumbles by Rodney Hampton
- Interception total for Brad Van Pelt, Sam Huff, Perry Williams and Percy Ellsworth
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for kick return TD #19 on September 8th in Detroit. Is it football season yet?