New York Giants kick off their offseason programme, Osi Umenyiora not present – NFL News
The defending Super Bowl champions, New York Giants, performed remarkably well to win the Super Bowl last season, but the team’s focus is now changing and it now wants to defend its title.
After enjoying the glory and taking the due rest, the Giants returned to the Timex Performance Center on Monday, April 16, 2012, to kick off their offseason programme. However, their defensive end, Osi Umenyiora, did not show up and is planning on skipping
the programme.
On the other hand, other players reported at the programme and are looking forward to the next season.
“I think it’s always exciting to get back – it’s like the first day of school after the summer,” said Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning.”
He added:
“You’re excited to see all your teammates and coaches and try to figure out how we’re going to get better and what we’re going to improve on. You see some of the new faces and get them caught up on what we need to do. It’s always exciting to get back here,
knowing we’re getting back to work.”
The same level of excitement was shared by safety Antrel Rolle, guards, Kevin Boothe and Chris Snee, and running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, who scored the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl XLVI matchup against New England Patriots.
Giants are going to miss a few players who were part of the Super Bowl winning squad last season, but they will have an opportunity to get acquainted with some new players who are acquired by the team during the offseason.
On the other hand, defensive end, Osi Umenyiora, who is in his last year of the current contract with the team, did not attend the first day of the offseason programme and he is likely to miss the complete programme.
Umenyiora has been in negotiations with the team management over the issue of his contract extension and both parties are reported not to have reached an amicable conclusion so far.
In order to assert his demands and highlight seriousness over the issue, Umenyiora has decided against participating in the offseason workout. He could join the team if a deal is reached soon.
However, it will not be easy for the team management to agree to all his demands which include an acceptable payout and his desire to play as starter rather than a backup.
Tags: