Giants Pro Bowler is uncertain of his NFL future
The New York Giants are emphasizing an all-important, yet seldom-celebrated component of defense… Stopping the run. If they want to do that they will need all their horses along the front of the defense to be ready to go. But following some comments from minicamp, one of their key cogs may not be going much […]
The New York Giants are emphasizing an all-important, yet seldom-celebrated component of defense…
Stopping the run.
If they want to do that they will need all their horses along the front of the defense to be ready to go. But following some comments from minicamp, one of their key cogs may not be going much longer…
Leonard Williams is a former Pro Bowler that has provided above-average play along the defensive line for New York, but between his contract soon expiring, and his words at Wednesday's presser to wrap up the offseason, how much longer he's in Giants blue is a valid question.
When asked about the motivation of building off last year's playoffs, Williams offered the following:
"I mean, it motivates me a lot. Last year shows me we have everything it takes right here in the building to go even further," said Williams. "We made it there. We added some more additions to our team. Just got closer, and built more and more camaraderie. As you said, that was my first time going through the Playoffs. We got a win in the Playoffs. I'm getting closer to the end of my career. That is something that really motivates me… getting the ring
That last sentence surely caught me and many others by surprise. Williams is only 28 and while he did sign a four extension with the Giants in 2021, the 2024 year on his contract is void, making this year potentially his last in New York.
But between a down season by his standards and the first real scare of his career with a neck injury, maybe Williams is in fact thinking about life after football:
"How is your neck?" Asked a reporter:
"It's good. I think during the season it was just hard for it to recover just because every time I made a tackle, I would feel it," answered Williams. "It wasn't really going to go away till the season ended. I've had a few months off now since football. I've been back in the weight room. I haven't been feeling it at all. Now that I'm getting older, that is something I have to pay more attention to, though, is my recovery and my body."
But before he could get away with throwing subtle gestures about age and retirement, a member of the media called him on it, with Williams walking back some of the initial remarks:
"Two or three times you said, "I'm old, it's late in life." You're 28, are you feeling older? Are you considering retirement?" Asked a reporter:
"I'm definitely not feeling older," answered Williams. "We have this chart with our GPS trackers that shows our high-end speed, short 10-yard sprints. I pride myself on always being first on that list. You know what I mean? I still have my explosiveness; I still have my power. Honestly, I feel like I'm knowing the game more, I have a lot more years in me. I joke around about the age because this is a young team."
Jokes aside, a healthy Willaims to pair with newly extended All-Pro Dexter Lawrence and offseason acquisitions like "Nacho" Nunez-Roches, and A'Shawn Robinson…this defensive front will be no laughing matter for opposing offenses.
Meaning, Giants fans will hope that Williams is in fact just kidding, as they look to be a serious contender this year.
Featured image via: © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
