NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - OFFENSIVE TACKLE KEVIN BOOTHE - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI –Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on how the offensive line reacted to their game against the 49ers) “We know there were things that we could have done better, not to take anything away from San Francisco. They’re a tremendous group, extremely talented and athletic, but we know that we have to play better than that in order to succeed. I think on the offense we felt that we left a lot of things out there, and we’ve just got to take advantage of the opportunities the defense gives us and play better overall.”

(on why the offensive line didn’t play their best against the 49ers) “I think it was a bad day at the office. It was just a tough game, and with everything on the line, I think you’re going to get the best out of your opponents. They definitely made us work for it and Eli (Manning) hung in there and made the plays when we had to and he’s as tough as they come and I think his will and desire helped us a great deal.”

(on comparing New England’s defense to San Francisco) “It’s different. It’s different personnel, but another team that’s playing really well defensively. I know statistically people want to say that they haven’t really had a great year, but you look at them over the last half of the season and the first couple playoff games, and they’re playing just as well as anybody. Their big guys out front are tremendous athletes for that size, their linebackers are phenomenal. So, we’re going to have to play our best game to win the championship and that’s what you want.”

(on how his team is preparing for Sunday) “We try to work on things in practice, but there’s only so much you can do prior to the game instead of actually seeing those guys in person. You don’t go around and push vehicles around or anything like that, but we’ve played them before so we’re familiar with them personnel-wise.In terms of
scheme- wise, you don’t know what you’re going to get. I think they’re an evolving defense, and as long as coach is comfortable with him, he can add more things to their defense to prevent problems. So we’re going to have to be on our best game.”

(on the importance of the offensive line Sunday) “I think that that’s the case for the most part in football games, so that’s the way you like it as an offensive lineman. You want to be able to play your best when your best is needed.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - TACKLE KAREEM McKENZIE - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on playing in the Super Bowl and what makes it special) “When you’re on a grand stage such as this, there’s no experience like it. When you were a kid, watching the Super Bowl, seeing it on TV, now you’re front and center, and it’s almost a surreal moment of, ‘Wow, this is the Super Bowl.’ I can remember when we played in Super Bowl XLII, and Jordin Sparks was singing the National Anthem and that first kickoff. It’s almost like a dream world, a fantasy.”

(on how to prevent becoming overwhelmed) “You have to control yourself. You have to have a sense of controlling the chaos around you.”

(on the intensity of the Super Bowl) “It’s very intense because that is the last game of the year. There are no surprises; there’s nothing to hold back. This is the last hurrah for some guys to go out there and get that Super Bowl ring or get another one. So, it’s going to be a dogfight.”

(on experience being a calming factor for guys who have played in the Super Bowl) “It’s a little bit more calm, in terms of being able to know what to expect in terms of media day and the atmosphere around which we find ourselves. … (You) take it for what it is and enjoy yourself, but at the same time have that focused tolerance to go ahead and do your job.”

(on the impact that his personal faith makes in his life) “Faith plays a great role in my life, and being able to go ahead and play a game as violent as this and to compete week-in and week-out — to deal with victory and lulls — because when you look at it, anybody that plays sports, 50 percent of those who participate, lose. It’s difficult when you put so much work into the actual week itself, the preparation necessary to have the opportunity to win and not have it work out for you. To have the faith necessary to understand that, through trial and error, sometimes things will go your way and sometimes they won’t … At the end of the day, you still have the opportunity — you have your life, your health and your strength — to play a game.”

(on how his faith shapes his football perspective) “It works in terms of being able to understand what life is all about. It’s the small victories in life that you have to enjoy, but the moments where you have the opportunity to be blessed. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play in two Super Bowls.”

(on how ready he is for the day of the game to arrive) “I am not ready to fast-forward through anything. Nothing. I’m going to enjoy each and every precious moment I have because it’s not promised to you.”

(on not being able to attend the funeral of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno) “You would have liked the opportunity to go ahead and pay your respects, but understanding who Joe is and the type of person he was in terms of his work ethic, I think he would have understood us being focused on winning a championship and making sure we were as well-prepared as possible to play in the Super Bowl.”

(on the perception of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno in light of the charges against former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky) “I think it was unfortunate to have 50, some 60-odd years of coaching, come down to such a finite moment and point in his life, especially looking at how his life ended with his legacy, to a certain extent, almost being tarnished by something that transpired that was realistically out of his control in my opinion. It’s a sad situation that a lot of people have been involved with that was just unnecessary.”

(on the closeness between the Giants and Patriots in Super Bowl XLII) “That’s the NFL every week, building up throughout the whole season, so it’s no surprise at all. This is the last game of the year. It’s the pinnacle accomplishment in terms of any NFL professional’s career and the mark by which we measure a good team and a bad team.”

(on the perception of Giants quarterback Eli Manning after winning Super Bowl XLII) “I think the naysayers had a hard time trying to disprove that he was a good quarterback. … I think he’s been a cool and collected individual under pressure, and that’s why he’s been able to go ahead and lead us successfully for the past eight years.”

(on the anticipation of standing in Lucas Oil Stadium a few days before the Super Bowl) “It’s one of those deals where you get the chance to go ahead and walk around the stadium and familiarize yourself with it and really take in the grandness of it: seeing the Super Bowl marquee, seeing the fan zone, seeing the actual end zones, taking the team picture and dealing with the media and having a chance to say, ‘This is what it’s all about.’ This is the fun part of it, and obviously, the next time we’re in this building, it’s going to be all business.”

(on being appreciative of the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl) “Definitely, because you never know when you’ll make it back, or if you’ll make it back. It’s such a volatile sport, and given the average career is three years and three games, who is to say you’ll make it back? It’s been four years since I’ve been here, and during that time span, God knows how many players have had their careers end.”

(on what he learned about his teammates during periods of struggle this season) “I learned that we have an unbelievable sense of resiliency and belief in one another to go ahead and get the job done.”

(on playing the Patriots again) “They’re a great team. They have good personnel up front on defense. They have a great offense, and it will be an extreme challenge to go ahead and compete with them.”

(on if the Giants have shifted to an offense that is more pass oriented) “It doesn’t matter. Whatever it takes to put points on the board and come out with a win, if that’s what’s necessary, that’s what we’ll do.”

(on the most important thing to happen to the Giants this season) “I think the most important thing is that we’ve come away with the knowledge and understanding that it doesn’t matter what happens in the beginning, it’s how you finish.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - TACKLE DAVID DIEHL - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on making it to the Super Bowl) “I think all of us realize what we’re here to do and what we’re playing this game for and how hard we had to work to get to this point, and part of that was coach Tom Coughlin. Throughout the ups and downs of this season with people getting injured, he has always kept the boat going in the right direction, and he is a constant guy whose preparation and his life is all around this game, and it is no coincidence that the way that he’s preparing us, the way that we practice, the mentality we have going into things, it’s a direct correlation with the way that coach has really rallied us together as a football team. You know, you sit here and talk about all those things. I think everybody gets so emotional in this game, and it’s so about emotions, and I think everybody knows the Gatorade toss and all that stuff, but there are no plans or anything. The most important thing we’re here for is to compete, make sure we have great practices like we have had, and most importantly, we’re going to come out here and play our best football.”

(on the re-match of Super Bowl XLII) “It pays no dividends in what happens this weekend in Super Bowl XLVI. This isn’t Super Bowl XLII. I think you are looking at two completely different football teams that are going out there and competing, so we are approaching this one as hard as we can and with the intensity that we are going to do whatever we have to do this week to make sure we go into this game and play our best football, because we are playing a good team.”

(on whether Tom Coughlin is more beloved or respected) “I think it is both. From the time that he first got here, you know, you’ve got a lot of different rules, a lot of different strategies, and the way he approaches the game and five minutes early and all of his different rules, at first I think it caught people off guard, but I think you have to respect the man for how he does things because he does things professionally. He does things the right way, and his main goal is to win football games just like us. So, I think he shows that in the way that he acts and the way that he presents himself, and he is who he is, he doesn’t change for anybody, and you have got to respect that from the man.”

(on the difference from last year to this year) “I think just the collective group of the team. I think when things were tough and when our backs were against the wall, it was an us against the world mentality, because the only way you can fight back and get yourself out of a hole is if you believe in one another. Most importantly, this game is all about accountability. If you believe in one another, sell out for one another, and I think you’ve heard us all talk about being all in. Everything on the outside, the distractions, the possible distractions, put everything aside. We are here to play football, and we are here to accomplish a mission. You’ve seen all three phases win games. It’s not just the offense winning the games or the defense winning the games, and it is special teams coming up with key onside kicks, getting recoveries. That is how you win football games in this league especially in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl. It is going to take all three phases of our team to win this game.”

(on the Patriots big defensive line) “They are huge up front, and that is the way they’ve been successful, is penetrating gaps, making two offensive linemen double team on them to let their linebackers flow, and that is something that we’ve watched from them. We’ve broken it down going into this game, and running the football has got to be a success for us because that’s the way you win against a good football team. You want to control the time of possession, you want to be able to take shots down field and get your play action going, but also we understand the type of offense that they have on the other side, we have to do our best to keep them off the field, but most important for us, we know if we keep our defense fresh, we get our D-line and that rotation going, they can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, so running the football is going to be a crucial point in this game.”

(on Eli Manning’s toughness) “Yeah, he is definitely a tough guy. People don’t think about that because he’s got that same even-keel demeanor, but he is one of us. He is a warrior; he fights through injuries; he is a guy we want to be the best quarterback on the field and he is a guy that wants to be out there each and every time, and you have seen him grow as a player and is a competitor, but everybody on the outside doesn’t see that intense guy that says he we need to get it right, gets everybody on the sideline. I think that’s the thing that’s been so good for us and has been so awesome to see him do that. The audibles, the adjustments he makes, the changes in the blocking schemes, his study and his preparation allow him to go out there and play free and play loose, and I think that is what we see in Eli.”

(on having played the Patriots this season already, and the rematch of Super Bowl XLVI) “Everybody keeps talking about the Super Bowl, and yes you are going to have that about the rematch, but you are looking at two completely different football teams, and I think that most importantly, you are looking at two better football teams then we faced during the regular season, I think both teams have made improvement and I think both teams are playing their best football and we believe we are preparing for an unbelievable game this Sunday.”

(on the experience of the Super Bowl) “This is an unbelievable experience, and I think we all understand how precious this is and here I am in my ninth year, playing in my second Super Bowl, and I know that I may never have this opportunity again, so I know I am doing everything possible, breaking down film, watching things, doing whatever I can that way you have no regrets come Sunday.”

(on how San Francisco got pressure on Eli Manning last week) “We threw the ball 61 times, I mean we are going up against one of the best defenses in the NFL and we are out there scratching and clawing, he is a tough guy and it is going to be very important to us is making sure we take care of Eli.”

(on how Eli is a leader for this football team) “I think most importantly is attitude and how he approaches the game. I have never been around anybody that watches as much film, studies as many things, and has the knowledge that he does. He knows what is going on with the defensive line, stunts other things that other quarterbacks don’t pay attention to and I think that has helped him evolve his game to where it is now, like I said, his blitz recognition, his audibles, he is able to adjust the line blocking, getting his wide receivers on the same page, that credit goes to Eli, he is the guy that is taking the time out of it. He is the guy that was leading all the wide receivers during the lockout time doing all those work outs. And for us that confidence was always there because we knew he was selling out, and doing everything he could to be the best quarterback out on the field and we are the guys that see that, and see the even keeled guy that when things are going well he has the same demeanor. But when he means to ratchet it up, his leadership role has stepped up tremendously, and when he says something, people believe it because it is coming from the heart.

(on being happy Eli is getting national respect now) “Absolutely, because he deserves it and earned it. It wasn’t given to him, and everybody knows how tough it is to have that last name in New York City. He has never let that bother him and he has made sure he does his work and prepares. He has earned everything he has got.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - LONG SNAPPER ZAK DEOSSIE - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on playing the Patriots again in the Super Bowl) “I have all the respect in the world for the Patriots and they are a great organization. I’m so excited to be here representing the Giants and with two great organizations battling it out again, it’s just incredible.”

(on if he thought the Giants would be here when they were 7-7) “When we were 7-7 we were more focused on the next game and I wasn’t thinking too far ahead. It was a pretty tumultuous, up-and-down season but when our back is against the wall we perform and we perform well. As long as all three phases click on Sunday, we’re going to put up a good fight and it’s going to be a great game.”

(on playing collegiately at Brown) “It’s not the most typical route to the NFL but having the opportunity to go to Brown was exceptional for me and one of the best decisions I ever made.”

(on punter Steve Weatherford) “Steve brings a certain energy to the specialist community as well as the rest of the team that’s unmatched. He’s passionate about his job and he’s passionate about his teammates and he loves to work hard and perform well. I couldn’t be happier to have him as my teammate.”

(on Weatherford’s athletic ability) “He’s devoted to his fitness. Normally the long snapper is traditionally stronger than the punter but with Steve I’m battling to try to compete with him in the weight room. He’s a freak. He’s a physical freak of nature and if you see him run he runs like a deer. Everyone knows he was a decathlete in college and it’s impressive how athletic he is.”

(on what’s different about second Super Bowl appearance) “Just having the experience. I barely even remember the media day or the whole week (from 2007). I’m kind of slowing it down a little bit and absorb everything that’s happening so I can have those memories that I lost in this whirlwind.”

(on message to rookies) “Rookies have to show up and be accountable and they have to do what they can to get on the field and contribute to this team. They have to understand it’s a job and also have fun with it and they’ve done an unbelievable job all year. They’ve contributed in every capacity and I can’t think of a better rookie class.”

(on Giants’ resilience) “We’ve put a huge emphasis on finishing this year. From day one of training camp finishing was our motto and that’s something we didn’t do last year. When we were 7-7 this year things certainly weren’t going our way but we diverted back to our motto to finish and when all three phases start clicking together it makes those games a lot easier to win.”

(on his relationship with Weatherford) “Steve has been to a couple teams before he got here and
I always knew he was a talented punter. He came in with this sort of tenacity to just be the best at what he can do and he’s always working as hard as he can no matter what. He’s consistent with his routines and most importantly he’s confident. As a punter you need to be confident and he exudes confidence.”

(on playing the Patriots) “It’s ironic. My old man finished his career with the Patriots and I grew up in New England was a ball boy there for two years. It’s funny when you look back at it. To be here playing them in the Super Bowl is incredible.”

(on is part of him wishes he could still play linebacker) “Always. I love linebacker and don’t think I’ll ever get a chance to play again. I found a position that I’m really good at here and that I’m comfortable at and one I can make a living with. I will always consider myself and linebacker but my linebacker days are over.”

(on how he mastered long snapping) “Repetition. They say you do something 10,000 times in a row you become a professional at it. I always long snapped in college and finally did it my senior year and sort of fell into this position at long snapper here with the Giants and fine-tuned it with the help of my coach and hard work.”

(on having his father as a resource) “It’s been great. He knows the intricacies of my job intimately and when need someone to talk to about my job or this and that he’s the first person. Having him be a part of this whole thing is just a dream come true. He snapped his whole career. He did it for 12 years and I’m hoping to do the same thing.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - GUARD CHRIS SNEE - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on the challenges facing the Patriots defense) “Clearly different personnel, bigger bodies up front. San Francisco was a traditional 3-4 style. New England will throw different looks at you. That’s the difference, just the overall scheme.”

(on how the offensive line is responding after the San Francisco 49ers game) “Yeah, it was tough, something we weren’t proud of. Overall this year, I think we’ve done a good job of keeping him clean. San Fran is a very talented defense, and they got us with some things up front. We took a hard look at that knowing that it could possibly surface again what they were doing. I think we have it under control. We’re confident if we give Eli (Manning) enough time to throw the ball, he can make plays.”

(on how his concussion this season affected the rest of the year) “The only time I really thought about it was that next game against Miami. You always worry about the next time what would happen when your head got hit. I was a little worried putting it back in there. But as the game went on, the season went on, you don’t really think about it. Definitely that week after the Seattle game was a tough time for me.”

(on how he would categorize the Patriots defensive front) “They’re very big the four or five big bodies that they rotate in there. The thing is, they are also very athletic. You look at guys like Vince (Wilfork) and Gerard Warren, (Kyle) Love, they are large guys. You wouldn’t think they can move the way that they do. They move very well for big guys.”

(on if the Patriots rely on their front seven) “They don’t blitz as much as other teams we faced, but I think when you make plays on them and you’re driving the ball, they’re going to obviously not sit there. That’s where they’re going to come with some pressure or send a five down front or something like that. I’d say about 30 percent of time is when you see a dog or a blitz.”

(on the Patriots run defense) “Like I said, the big bodies up front make it tough, and you’re not going to get great push. That’s obviously their goal is get off the ball, but really you’re just trying to neutralize them at the line and just stick with it, try to finish, maybe let their momentum kind of take them out of the ball. They do a good job holding their ground.”

(on how the Patriots defense pursues) “I think they’re a very good defense. I think their linebackers. They can run, (Jerod) Mayo and (Brandon) Spikes. (Brandon) Spikes is a very physical downhill linebacker who I’ve seen take out a few guards, fullbacks in the hole. He looks to blow people up, so I think they do a very good job.”

(on tackle Tony Ugoh) “He’s done a great job. He had to come in, and he’s played jumbo tight end for us a little bit, but also he’s the swing tackle. If something were to happen to one of our tackles, he would be the guy to go in the game and would have to play the left or right. He’s done a good job coming in and learning our offense pretty quickly.”

(on being the Indianapolis Colts high draft pick and sticking with it to find another team) “Yeah, he’s a guy where you look at him, and he’s got tools. He’s got great feet. He’s a strong guy. He’s a good football player, a good addition for us.”

(on if Tony Ugoh has showed him around Indianapolis at all) “We’re only here one night.”

(on what he recalls about the final drive of the last Super Bowl he played in) “I recall great effort by Eli (Manning) to get out of the grasp of four D-linemen, a great catch by David Tyree and just a lot of excitement after Plaxico (Burress) scored that. When the clock struck zero is when it was enjoyed most, just several big plays that got us down the field.”

(on how the outside perception changed when Eli Manning finished that last Super Bowl) “I think every year he’s gotten more believers in him, and this year is when everyone kind of jumped; all the other people jumped on board. He’s always done a great job for us. He’s always been a guy that kind of thrived in the fourth quarter. He loved being in that situation. He loved being in the two-minute situation at the end of the game. He’s always been that presence for us.”

(on if he thinks they can have any advantage going against the New England defense) “You know, I don’t really get caught up too much in the stats. I know they do a pretty good job of keeping teams out of the end zone, which when you put up as many points as they do, that’s obviously why they had the record they did. Their defense does a good job of keeping you out. Just look what they did against Baltimore last week. They shut down their run game pretty good and that’s a good offensive line and a good running game. I’m just looking more at the present and they’re playing pretty well right now.”

(on if there is added pressure because of the Patriots offense) “Yeah that’s no question. We look at that every week. We always look at it as it’s our job to try to keep our defense off the field and the only way to do that is to protect Eli (Manning) and to run the ball. We prefer to methodically march down the field although this year it seems like it’s been all big plays. The goal is the same, control the clock and keep that explosive offense on the field.”

(on if Tom Coughlin has gotten any warmer and fuzzier) “Warmer? Fuzzier? I don’t know if I’d use those adjectives, but he’s lightened up a lot and we made reference to that four years ago when we were here. How he kind of changed in that regard, getting to know players more, getting players to know the softer side of him, the side that family members see. He shows that but then again he still has his beliefs that he sticks to. That’s what makes him more successful.”

(on if he is more beloved or respected) “If I had to choose one, he is definitely more respected. He has the respect of our team and we all believe in everything he says. We’re all on board with him.”

(on if it would be appropriate to carry Tom Coughlin off the field unlike last time they won the Super Bowl) “I never even thought about that after the first game. I know he got dumped with the Gatorade but I didn’t even think about getting carried off. Maybe I will if we are fortunate enough to win this game.”

(on if it makes it any tougher that Tom Coughlin is his father-in-law as well as the Head Coach) “No, not at all. It’s eight years of having this relationship so we got it ironed out pretty good.”

(on if he is thankful he doesn’t have to deal with the media crowd Eli Manning has to deal with) “No one handles it better than he does. He’s been criticized more often than praised throughout his career. He does a great job handling days like this, the weekly media session in New York. But yeah, I am very thankful I don’t have that around me right now.”

(on his mentality on how he and his teammates got through the season) “I think that’s just when you rely on the depth of your team. That’s when credit has to go to the front office for bringing guys in who can play football. I’ve been in here years past when we haven’t had that luxury of having the backups that we do. That and there’s the expectation where someone goes down the backup is expected to come out and play at a high level, and that’s what we have.”

(on former Patriot Rodney Harrison saying he’d rather have Eli Manning than Tom Brady in this game) “I agree with him. I’ll take Eli too. I don’t know. To get more in depth with that you’re going to have to ask Rodney or Tom Brady how he feels about that. I’m sure he doesn’t mind.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - CENTER DAVID BAAS - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Saturday, January 28, 2012

(on what the feeling is like for him to have a chance to play in the Super Bowl) “It’s amazing. I feel like this is once in a lifetime opportunity. You don’t want to let it go to waste. You’re here for one reason, to win and you don’t want that taste in your mouth afterwards and wondering “why this? or, why that?” You do everything you can this week to prepare yourself to go out there and show the world what you’ve got.”

(on what the key offensively will be for the Giants on Sunday) “I feel like the key is execution. We know they have a very good defense but we know they have a very high powered offense. I feel like it’s going to come down to who executes the best on offense is going to win the game.”

(on having a lot of Michigan and Michigan State guys on both teams) “It’s way better here because we’ve got all the guys here and when I was out in San Francisco there was like five or six Ohio State guys and me. I had to hear about it all the time. I can rub it in a little bit more here.”

(on the best thing is about being an offensive lineman) “You gain your respect through your players. Nobody really gives you credit for the things you go through, how bad you beat yourself up, just little things like that. When you can look each other and know that you’ve done a good job and hey we’re here at the Super Bowl, that’s gratifying. Then you need to look at each other and say we need to win this. As a lineman you don’t get the glory. You don’t get all the praise. It’s more from just knowing that from your teammates that you did something special, you deserve every bit of it.”

(on the worst part about being an offensive lineman is) “Probably just the feeling in your knees and watching the kickers standing over there on the sideline as you’re doing drills. It’s a tough job. You’re down there in the trenches and constantly beating yourself up. It’s a very tough job and you just never know when it’s going to end so just try and enjoy it as long as you can.

(on if he has always been an offensive lineman) “I was a tight end for my very first year in high school. Then I went from tackle to guard to center. Then I went everywhere for a while.”

NEW YORK GIANT’S MEDIA DAY - GIANTS TIGHT END JAKE BALLARD - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on Super Bowl expectations) “It’s pretty much what I thought. It’s a lot like the national championship I played a few years ago with Ohio State. It is the highest level of competition and hopefully we can win it all.”

(on Ohio football) “We were just in the locker room taking pictures with all the Ohio guys. It was with center Jimmy Cordle, (LB) Chase Blackburn, (WR) Mario Manningham,( LB) Greg Jones, and I. It’s cool to see all these guys. I know we are not all from the same school, but it’s cool that we are all from the same area.”

(on starting this year) “I would not say it was a breakout season or anything. I played well, and I was happy to help the team out anyway I could. When (TE) Kevin Boss left, I knew there was a big void. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I took advantage of it. Luckily, I was able to earn (QB) Eli Manning’s trust, and he got me the ball. I don’t care if I make a single catch all game in the Super Bowl, just as long as we win. I will block or make catches all day long; it doesn’t matter.”

(on sharing experience with C Jim Cordle) “Oh yea it’s awesome. We are roommates at the hotel and we live together back in New Jersey. I found out right away that he (Cordle) was going to be a free agent. We both signed with the Giants. I knew it was going to be cool to have someone you have known for a while to go along for the same ride.”

(on tickets for family) “I got as many as I could get. My family is going to make the drive up. It is only about a two and a half to three hour drive. It is going to be a lot of fun.”

(on evaluating opponent) “To me it is similar to the Packers’ situation. The Packers’ defense was ranked low against the pass. When you have a high powered offense that puts up a lot of points the opponent has to come out throwing to stay in the game. I wouldn’t say the Patriots are bad against the pass. It is just hand-in-hand with what their offense is doing. The Patriots have a great offense, and I think their defense is extremely underrated. We think we can do some things offensively to hurt them, but we don’t think the Patriot’s defense is bad by any means.”

(on having more catches and yards this season than his entire college career) “I won a lot of games at Ohio State and would not replace that for anything. With the type of offense and the weapons we had, I was not a big part of the passing game. However, I was a big part of blocking and making sure those guys could get the ball to make plays off the run. The Giants are asking me to do something different, and I’m doing well.”

(on reflecting on playing Patriots earlier this season) “Yeah, a little bit. I mainly think about personnel and what each player brings to the table, what challenges I deal with on running routes and blocking. I don’t really think about the catches or winning the game. I feel if you get caught up on that stuff, you won’t take it serious in this game. You have to take it like you have never played them before and prepare that way.”

(on Patriot’s tight end Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez) “They don’t ask me to do what (TE) Rob Gronkowski and (TE) Aaron Hernandez are doing. Those guys are having a great season. Rob is great and he is doing things no one has ever done at the tight end position. Rob is entertaining to watch. It is fun to watch him, (Gronkowski) and Tom Brady’s relationship progress. Tom is always looking for him. I wish all the best for Rob. I remember taking him on a tour when he visited Ohio State, so I have known him for a while, and it is good to see tight ends have success like he is. Aaron Hernandez is one of those guys who will do anything you ask him to do. It’s neat to see tight ends impact the game like those guys do.”

(on studying Gronkowski) “Any time you have a tight end like Rob Gronkowski’s caliber, you definitely want to see what he is doing to get those numbers. He does a lot of good things with his routes, he is big, athletic, and he gets open. He is a mismatch everywhere on the field. I know I can definitely learn some things from studying Rob’s film.”

(on his knee) “It is still a little tweaked. It feels a lot better than it has in a long time. I am running well and I am running a lot better than I have in the last three or four games.”

(on having no catches in college) It’s frustrating a little bit. Every season I said I wanted to get the ball. Every offseason the coaching staff would mention that they wanted to get me more involved and it would not happen. Like I said before, we won a lot of games at Ohio State and I would not replace that for anything.”

(on playing in Super Bowl as undrafted player) “I try not to think about it too much. I try to stay focused on the task at hand. Once it is all said and done I will look back at my accomplishments.”

(on feeling of playing in the Super Bowl) “This is the Super Bowl. It is as good as it gets. I never really realized it till we got out here. Not the media day so much. We were practicing in New York and we went through the same patterns and repetitions we usually do. It hit me when we got on the plane and you realize you have a real chance to be Super Bowl Champions.”

(on people coming from Springboro Ohio) “Mostly my family and a couple of friends will be coming up. It means a lot for them being here.”

(on number of tickets he purchased) “Ten.”

(on price of tickets) “They were at nine hundred apiece.”

(on watching last Super Bowl) “I was back at my hometown of Springboro, Ohio, with my parents.”

(on playing in Super Bowl this time around) “ I have not had a lot of time lately. Looking back at it now it is a dream come true. I cannot let this opportunity slip by me and not win this game.”

(on he and wide receiver Victor Cruz stepping up) “Victor and I had a rough go at it. We were both undrafted. Everyone at camp did not know who we were. Victor got hurt last year. I got hurt last year at training camp and was on the practice squad for most of the year. We both took advantage of the offseason. During the lockout we both busted our butts to get to where we are today. My situation, when Kevin Boss left, I knew it was a huge opportunity for me and I could not let it slip by me. I made the most of it during camp, and it has worked out for me so far.”

(on the success of the offense) “One major reason is Eli Manning. He knows the game better than anybody. He studies film very hard. He makes sure he get tips and knows what the defense is going to do by studying every opponent’s film. I also think we have three of the top receivers in the game and that can help out a lot.”

(on Tom Coughlin’s mentality) “I don’t think he is the same guy throughout the season. When we lost four in a row he was pretty rough to be around. Lately he has been very excited and happy. He is always reminding us that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a team we need to take advantage of it and work hard. We always need to be focusing on the ultimate goal.”