Peter King looks back at 2007 Giants-Patriots regular season finale
Believe it or not, tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of a special moment in Giants history that often gets overlooked.
On December 29, 2007, the Giants welcomed the 15-0 New England Patriots to East Rutherford in the Week 17 season finale. The Giants were already locked into the NFC's fifth seed and had nothing to play for, while the Patriots were obviously looking to complete their perfect regular season.
In his weekly 'Football Morning in America' column, NBC Sports' Peter King took a moment to commemorate this game and coach Tom Coughlin's decision to play his full team against the Patriots
As we all know, the two teams took part in an epic battle, one that saw the Giants hang in there for all four quarters before New England edged out a 38-35 victory.
While the Patriots won the battle, the Giants would eventually win the war. The two teams met again five weeks later in Super Bowl XLII, where the Giants pulled off perhaps the biggest upset in Super Bowl history with their 17-14 win over the previously 18-0 Patriots.
Coach Coughlin recently spoke with King, where he shared an impactful memory from the day after the season finale matchup against the Patriots.
"I gotta tell you one more story because this is what will be most meaningful," Coughlin said. "It was a great performance. I'm really proud of my team. That's a team that's 16-0, we know we can play with them. All that stuff. Next morning at 5 o'clock I come into my office and I see the red light's on the phone. A voicemail. I pick up the phone and it's John Madden. He's saying, 'Tom, I just wanted to call. Because I want you to know that is the greatest thing that's happened to the NFL in the last 10 years.' He said, 'This is the National Football League—we don't not play our players. We owe a responsibility to our fans to perform every day. That's what you did. I'm just so proud to be a part of that. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished and what your team has accomplished.' He said, 'I'm very emotional right now. But I want you to know how I felt.' I played it for my team in our next team meeting. It was moving. Very moving."
Check out the video below to watch coach Tom Coughlin discuss that memorable voicemail from the legendary John Madden.
Currently on Giants.com
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) forces a fumble by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jeff George (11) in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993.
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Lennie Moore (24) of the Baltimore Colts catches a pass from Johnny Unitas in behind Linden Crow (41) of the New York Giants during the first quarter of play in New York, Dec. 27, 1959. Dick Nolan (25) of the Giants looks on. The play was good for a total of 60 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants' Pat Summerall kicks for 28 yards and a field goal with less than three minutes to play Nov. 9, 1958, to win the game against the Baltimore Colts in New York's Yankee Stadium. Holiding for the kick is Charley Conerly. Giants won 24-21. Colts, right, are halfback Milt Davis (20), and Andy Nelson (80). Summerall also kicked the three points after touchdown for the Giants. (AP photo/Harry Harris)
Bob Schnelker (85), New York Giants end, catches a long pass as Carl Taseff of the Baltimore Colts misses in his try to knock the ball away in the second quarter of the championship game in Baltimore, Dec. 27, 1959. Charlie Conerly of the Giants threw the pass. (AP Photo)
Baltimore Colts fullback Alan Ameche advances through a big opening provided by teammates to score the winning touchdown in overtime period against the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 28, 1958. Colts' Lenny Moore gets a good block on Giants' Emlen Tunnell (45) at left. Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas (19) is at right along with Giants' Jim Patton (20). Batimore won, 23-17, for National Football League title in the first overtime finish in title history. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Greg Larson (53) blocks for Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the Baltimore Colts on November 3,1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Baltimore Colts beat the New York Giants 26-0. Greg Larson played for 13 years, all with the New York Giants and was a 1-tim Pro Bowler(David Durochik via AP)
Gary Jeter, defensive end for the New York Giants, dives to the ground and brings down quarterback Bert Jones of the Baltimore Colts as he gets off a pass in the first quarter of their NFL exhibition game in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 22, 1980. The Colt's running back Mark Bailey (41) races to block another Giant defender, as Jones' pass fell incomplete in the end zone. (AP Photo/Joe Giza)
New York Giants running back Billy Taylor is surrounded by Baltimore Colt tacklers in the first quarter in their NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 15, 1981. Mike Woods (59), Herb Orvis (88) and Ed Simonini (56) make the stop for the Colts. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Duane Bickett (50) helps makes a tackle against New York Giants fullback Kenyon Rasheed (44) in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993. The Giants defeated the Colts 20-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton (27) in action in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993. The Giants defeated the Colts 20-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants guard William Roberts (66) and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Tony Siragusa (98) clash in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993. The Giants defeated the Colts 20-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) lines up in a two-point stance (77) during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 22, 2002. The Giants defeated the Colts 44-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is tackled as he reaches for the end zone during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants guard Rich Seubert (69) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 22, 2002. The Giants defeated the Colts 44-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, points out the defense before taking the snap from center Shaun O'Hara as Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett (58) looks on during first quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) runs with an interception of a third quarter pass intended for Indianapolis Colts Dallas Clark (44) during NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) pulls in an Eli Manning pass on his way to a touchdown near the end of the second quarter as Indianapolis Colts' Nick Harper (25) defends during NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Indianapolis Colts corner back Nick Harper grabs New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, right, during third quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Colts beat the Giants, 26-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) attempts to go over the top as Indianapolis Colts' Antonio Bethea, right, Nick Harper and Gary Brackett (58) converge during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Colts beat the Giants, 26-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) during first quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) points out the defense before taking the snap from center Jake Scott as New York Giants defensive tackle Michael Strahan (92) looks on during first quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, runs from Indianapolis Colts defensive end Keyunta Dawson during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants blocks against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs with the football against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waits to take the snap as the Indianapolis Colts defense waits during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants points as he calls out signals at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap of the football against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, right, greets his brother New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning following an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. Indianapolis won 38-14. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) in action during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, meets with his brother Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning following their NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) in action during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Kavell Conner in the second half during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. The Colts won 38-14. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a 54-yard touchdown reception while being defended by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jacob Lacey (27) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
CORRECTS TO MONDAY, NOV. 3, 2014 FROM TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 2014 - New York Giants wide receiver Corey Washington, right, catches a pass for a touchdown as he is defended by Indianapolis Colts' Josh Gordy (27) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Mike Adams (29) during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during a week 9 football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Indianapolis Colts take on the New York Giants during a week 9 football game on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Corey Washington (88) catches a pass for a touchdown as he is defended by Indianapolis Colts' Josh Gordy (27) during the second half of an NFL football game Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) rushes for a gain as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler (28) defends during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts' Mike Adams (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs away from Indianapolis Colts' Darius Butler (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) talks with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after a week 9 football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
CORRECTS TO MONDAY, NOV. 3, 2014 FROM TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 2014 - New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) catches a pass in front of Indianapolis Colts' Mike Adams (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin gives a hug to former New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (14) after a week 9 football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs away from Indianapolis Colts' Andy Studebaker (58) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) attempts to intercept a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during a week 9 football game on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) scores a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts defensive back Mike Adams (29) during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams, front center, scores a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts' Mike Adams (29) and Sergio Brown (38) react during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Scott Simonson (82) dives in for a touchdown under Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with the football as he is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 28-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the football during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 28-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) tries to strip the ball from New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the football during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 28-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) following a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Pierre Desir (35) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) reacts during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to get past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Matthew Adams (49) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (29) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
![New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)]](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album_2x/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ogbtb4qo2huscde3dewr.jpg)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)]
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) chases down New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) chases down New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants free safety Curtis Riley (35) intercepts a pass in the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (29) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs in for a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Latest on this week's opponent
Around the NFL
Limited tickets available for Giants vs. Colts
