--The final steel beam was lowered into place on the new Giants-Jets Stadium last Tuesday, and it was "signed" by the owners of both teams. The new palace, which will cost, when completed, an estimated $1.6 billion, will open for the 2010 season. "I don't know of any resistance to our PSL program for the new stadium," said co-owner Steve Tisch. "In this economy, I am sure I would have been made aware of it." Suffice to say the team has dipped into its waiting list of 25,000 hopeful season ticket holders and has still not sold all the PSL seating.
--There is still no word on the status of reserve guard/center Grey Ruegamer, who is on the UFA lists but reportedly has not received many offers and has told friends he wants to re-sign with the Giants. Veteran WR Amani Toomer has not received an offer from any team, including the Giants, but GM Jerry Reese responds with "never say never" when asked if there is a chance the team's all-time leading receiver might be re-signed.
--Newly signed DT Chris Canty played at the University of Virginia for head coach Al Groh, a former Giants' defensive coordinator (1989-1991) and then played in Dallas for former Giants head coach Bill Parcells. "I think I know the system," he said, noting that current Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was on the staff with Groh under Parcells.
--Last Tuesday was "Manning Day" in Jackson, Miss., as the state conducted a tribute to its most popular football family. The five invited were Colts QB Peyton Manning, Giants QB Eli Manning, former Saints QB Archie Manning, a third son, Cooper, and Mrs. Olivia Manning. Peyton and Olivia were unable to attend. "I have always said that no matter where I am, I will always be from Mississippi," said the politically correct Eli, who was an All-America at Ole Miss (as was his dad) and who has a Super Bowl ring (as does brother Peyton).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The Giants' defensive line was always tough. Now with me and Rocky (Bernard) added and Osi (Umenyiora) coming back, we might never give offensive lines the chance to take a deep breath." -- Newly-signed free agent defensive tackle Chris Canty.
