The Giants and their former star defensive end are discussing the possibility of his signing a one-day contract to return to the team, followed by a retirement ceremony for him during training camp, according to a person familiar with the talks.
Advertisement
The impact Osi Umenyiora had in a Giants uniform was very undervalued from this journalist view-point and quite frankly his impact on the game should not fall on deaf ears.
Umenyiora had a sometimes acrimonious relationship with the Giants’ front office, more than once expressing displeasure about his contact situation. He had 13 sacks in the Giants’ 2007 championship season and nine in 2011, when the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl for the second time. Those highlights were interspersed with frequent complaints about his contract and/or role, but the sum total of Umenyiora’s time with the Giants were positive for both the team and the player.
Umenyiora, 33, spent 10 seasons with the Giants from 2003-12 and won two Super Bowl rings with the team. Fences were mended, though, and Umenyiora is on good terms with the Giants.
After the 2012 season, the two-time All-Pro signed a two-year deal with the Falcons.
As for his place in history, that is up for discussion but there is no denying the great talent that Osi Umenyiora possessed during his 11-year career.
Advertisement
When the Giants played the Falcons last season, Umenyiora was vocal about his appreciation for everything he accomplished as one of the key cogs in what became one of the league’s most feared pass rush units.
