Jul 27, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants guard Chris Snee (76) with offensive line coach Pat Flaherty during training camp at the Timex Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Chris Snee’s journey with the New York Giants started in 2004 when he was drafted with the second pick of the 2nd round, 34th overall. Admittedly, at first I was not happy with Snee’s selection. It seemed like the Giants picked him earlier than he was projected to go, and I had a nagging suspicion that it was correlated to his familial relationship with then new head coach Tom Coughlin. Boy, did I end up being wrong.
Snee went on to win the right guard position in training camp and started 11 games in his rookie season. Over the next 8 seasons, Snee went on to start 127 of a possible 128 regular season games, played in two Super Bowl victories, and made four Pro Bowls.
“Thank you Chris for giving everything you had, every single season, so that this team could be successful, and I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life.” – James Pennisi
Taking a closer look at the years that encompassed the two Giants Super Bowl runs, from 2007-2012, Snee was one of the most dominant right guards in the NFL. Pro Football Focus, the premier NFL grading website for player performance, has Snee rated the second highest of any guard in the NFL over that time period:
Chris Snee's +129.6 @PFF grade from 2007-2012 was the 2nd-highest of any right guard in the NFL. Should get HOF consideration.
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) July 21, 2014
Quite simply, without Chris Snee’s leadership in the locker room and dominant play on the field, I don’t believe the Giants win their two Super Bowls.
Unfortunately, over the past two years Snee’s body has begun to breakdown. In 2012 his play began to decline, and in 2013 injuries forced him to miss all but three games. Chris, and his wife Kate Coughlin, have three children, Dylan, Cooper, and Walker. Facing the prospects of causing permanent damage to his elbow, and other body parts, it is understandable to see why Snee would decide to hang it up.
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Over the years, I have met Snee a couple of times at training camp, and he was one of the nicest players when signing autographs. He spoke to the fans, and stayed out there longer than most others. I have no doubt that he will continue to be a part of the Giants organization in other capacities, as the team likes to do with a lot of their great players, and I also expect him to be a lock for the Giants Ring Honor.
While the focus will immediately shift to how the Giants will replace Snee at right guard, something I believe the Giants were prepared for, it is important for Giants fans to take a moment to reflect on everything he has done for this organization. So, I just want to finish this by giving my sincere thanks to one of the great Giants’ players of all time, Chris Snee. Thank you Chris for giving everything you had, every single season, so that this team could be successful, and I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life.