Training camp is the pinnacle of the NFL offseason: it’s the root of optimism for all 32 teams, but is also when reality starts to set in. It’s headlined by training camp battles, flashy rookies, and highlight-worthy plays. Every team believes they have a shot in August, but only one team can be hoisting the Lombardi come February.
With that said, the vast majority, if not all, of the media attention this time of year focuses on the stars on offense or defense. Special teams doesn’t usually generate headlines in August, but New York’s special teams coordinator, Michael Ghobrial, may have just delivered the strongest statement yet about the 2025 Giants. And it wasn’t about punt formations or the new kick return rules.
“The one thing I’ll say about this team and where this team is at right now, there is 100% buy-in,” Ghobrial said. “Not only from the rookies, not only from the veteran special teamers that have played in this league, but also the guys who have been primary offensive and defensive starters.”
Giants’ special teams coordinator hypes up Giants' competitive spirit
For a team where competitive spirit has been absent over the last few years, Ghobrial’s words hold weight. The 37-year-old coordinator is entering his second season at the helm, after previously spending 2021-2023 as the assistant special teams coordinator for the Jets.
And entering 2025, he’s as amped as anybody regarding the state of Brian Daboll’s roster.
“Whatever unit we have asked our guys to do, they have completely bought in and they’ve competed, which has elevated everybody’s level—and that’s really exciting to see,” he told CBS Sports HQ’s Emory Hunt. “That’s a credit to Dabes and Joe in terms of the roster they’ve built and the veteran leadership that’s there.”
Ghobral also mentioned the guys on Big Blue “just love football," and that raw energy is something that New York has lacked since the Tom Coughlin era. But ahead of the team’s preseason debut in Buffalo, that excitement is all about to come to a head.
“In terms of just overall special teams and where we’re at, it’s gonna be fun to watch our guys play. They’re excited to get going, they’re excited to run through a wall and play against somebody else.”
Ghborial also noted the differences in special teams strategy between college football in the NFL, which has made for a steeper learning curve in recent years. But he realizes that players can make a career off of special teams, and the NFL is a place where you have to do the dirty work if you want to stick around. If not, someone could be coming for your job.
“For the rookies, the biggest challenge isn’t necessarily their effort, it’s been more so our game doesn’t necessarily translate to what they do in college anymore,” Ghobrial admitted. “The punt play is different, the punt return play is different with the formational restrictions and all that, and kickoff and kickoff return is different.”
“For me, my challenge to them is, I’m gonna keep the gameplan simple, we just want to see the best version of yourselves and show us why you’re in this league.”
If Ghobrial’s read on this roster is right, the Giants’ collective belief might just be the catalyst that leads this team to victories on Sundays.