David Diehl spent the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend like a lot of Americans – driving in a car.
The two-time Super Bowl champion made the 16-hour haul from New Jersey to the University of Memphis in a silver luxury SUV with blue interior, fitting colors for a Giants legend and his next endeavor. Diehl was recently hired as the newest member of the Tigers' coaching staff, leading the former fifth-round draft choice to pack up his belongings and leave the area for the first time in two decades.
"It's tough," Diehl said. "The preparation for this has been my entire life. I walked away from the [Giants] facility crying."
Now he will walk into a new one.
Diehl, who will serve as an analyst for the Memphis football program, had been with the Giants since 2003. He poured out his sweat and blood for 11 seasons as a player. Since then, he had been a member of their broadcast team.
With a career marked by toughness, durability and versatility, Diehl played every position on the offensive line except center and started the first 120 regular season games of his career. By the time he hung up his cleats in 2013, Diehl started 160 of 164 games played in the regular season in addition to all 11 postseason outings, including victories in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.
"I'm essentially taking what I've done for over 20 years of my life," Diehl said. "I'm 41 years old. I've given two decades to the New York Football Giants, and I wouldn't have it any other way. To use all those experiences and all that knowledge and the fact that I've literally faced every type of defense, every run scheme, every pass scheme, every stunt, I've lived it. I've studied it. I've physically gone through it. The fact that I have that background, I have that knowledge, I have that passion, I'm going to be able to help find those strengths and weaknesses of other opponents. There's nothing better than it."
View photos of two-time Super Bowl champion David Diehl, who started 171 games for the Giants from 2003-13.
New York Giants guard David Diehl holds his daughter and the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl #66 motions to the crowd during the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on Sunday, October 6th 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles won 36-21. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants guard David Diehl holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
IRVING, TX - OCTOBER 23: Guard David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants blocks against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 23, 2006 in Irving, Texas. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 36-22. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Former New York Giants player David Diehl poses for photographs with members of the military before an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots Sunday Nov. 15, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants offensive linemen Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69), and David Diehl (66) break huddle during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants, from left, David Diehl, Guy Whimper and Kevin Boothe reach for the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Former New York Giants linemen David Diehl talks to Eli Manning afterEli has his jersey retired during halftime of a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
David Diehl
Kareem Mckenzie, Chris Snee, Kevin Boothe, David Diehl
New York Giants week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
David Diehl
Alumni Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl & David Tyree New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Ahmad Bradshaw & David Diehl New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Town Hall Presented by Verizon at The Beacon Theater in New York, New York
New York Giants Town Hall Presented by Verizon at The Beacon Theater in New York, New York
Former New York Giants player David Diehl high-fives school children during an NFL community event at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Kareem Mckenzie, Chris Snee, Kevin Boothe, David Diehl
File-This Feb. 3, 2008, file photo shows New York Giants' Rich Seubert, left, and David Diehl holding back a New England Patriots defender as quarterback Eli Manning throws during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz. The man who has been the face of the New York Giants since 2004 is probably going to make his final appearance this weekend. Manning's 16-year Giants' career that has included two Super Bowl titles likely will come to an end Sunday when New York tries to spoil the Philadelphia Eagles bid to win the NFC East. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) defends during the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl wipes sweat off his head during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) celebrates his touchdown with David Diehl (66) and Stephen Goodin (79) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Football player David Diehl attends MTV's 2017 National College Signing Day at The Public Theater on Friday, May 5, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) signals the start of the 4th quarter during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday December 4, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants David Diehl plays in a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA on November 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New York Giants David Diehl plays in a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA on November 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New York Giants guard David Diehl holds his daughter and the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) talks to head linesman George Hayward (54) during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Giants won 37-20. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
New York Giants' David Diehl (66) blocks Arizona Cardinals' Vonnie Holliday, left, as Giants' Eli Manning (10) takes the snap during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 31-27. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl wears military sticke rs on his helmet in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)
New York Giants lineman David Diehl, right, waits to take the field prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) gestures toward the crowd as he and teammates leave the field after warming up before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 31: David Diehl #60 of the New York Giants addresses the media during Super XLVI Media Day at the Lucas Oil Stadium on January 31, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants celebrates after catching a 13-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter with teammates David Diehl #66 and Rich Seubert #69 during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Tackle David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants runs against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammate David Diehl #66 during Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 3, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl runs during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 22, in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Alumni Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl & David Tyree New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) celebrates with tight end Brandon Myers (83) after Myers' touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) blocks during the NFL week 8 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Giants won the game 15-7. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) and guard Kevin Boothe warm up during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants celebrates his game winning touchdown with tackle David Diehl #66 against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 3, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66), quarterback Eli Manning (10) and wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) prepare to take the field before an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013. The Chargers defeated the Giants 37-14. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) tals to teammates during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) during a week 5 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 6, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with David Diehl after his 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Domenik Hixonduring the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 31: David Diehl #60 of the New York Giants addresses the media during Super XLVI Media Day at the Lucas Oil Stadium on January 31, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman David Diehl (66) during a week 8 NFC East football game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 28, 2012 in Dallas, Texas (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) pass blocks during the Chicago Bears at New York Giants preseason football game August 25, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfold, New Jersey. (photo by Damian Strohmeyer/AP Images)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) blocks during a week 10 football game against the Oakland Raiders on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl signs autographs for young boys at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl speaks to reporters at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 5: David Diehl #66 and Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants can be seen on the podium after the game against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants guard David Diehl gestures toward the stands during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) blocks in a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 5, 2012. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 24-17. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants offensive guard David Diehl (66) looks up from the sideline with his helmet off during a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, December 8, 2013 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game 37-14. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl greets a young fan and her father during autograph day at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' David Diehl (66) and Corey Webster (23) lead the team onto the field prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) works to block Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) during an NFL football game, Sunday, December 16, 2012, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 34-0. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) lines up in a three-point stance during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013. The Chargers defeated the Giants 37-14. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 5: David Diehl #66, Chris Snee #76 and Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants run on the field during the game against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants' David Diehl (66) during practice, Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants will face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, right, shakes hands with tackle David Diehl (66) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl poses with his Super Bowl XLVI ring at Tiffany & Co., Wednesday, May 16, 2012, in New York. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in NFL football's Super Bowl XLVI to attain their fourth championship in franchise history. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, center, and offensive lineman David Diehl, center left, high-five during the second period of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference final playoff series between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils, Wednesday, May 23, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl poses for a portrait at the NFL Network studio in Culver City, Ca., on Monday Mar. 5, 2012. (AP Photo Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants offensive guard David Diehl looks to block during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants players Zac DeOssie, left, and David Diehl, right, pose with World Wrestling Entertainment personality Triple H backstage at a news conference in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, to announce that MetLife Stadium will host WrestleMania XXIX, WWE's annual pop culture extravaganza, on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (AP Photo/StarPix, Dave Allocca)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl enjoys a moment with the Superbowl Trophy on the field at Met Life Stadium celebrating winning Superbowl XLVI with the fans, Tuesday Feb. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) looks up from the field with his helmet off during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. The Giants won the game 21-17. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
New York Giants players Zac DeOssie, left, and David Diehl, right, pose with World Wrestling Entertainment personalities Sheamus, second left and Mark Henry backstage at a news conference in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, to announce that MetLife Stadium will host WrestleMania XXIX on April 7, 2013. (AP Photo/StarPix, Dave Allocca)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl speaks to the media on Wednesday February 1, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) celebrates the 21-17 victory against the New England Patriots during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
New York Giants guard David Diehl, right, celebrates after the team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants guard David Diehl, right, and Deon Grant celebrate after defeating the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants guard David Diehl looks to block against the New England Patriots during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) answers questions during Media Day on Tuesday January 31, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' David Diehl stretches during practice, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants will face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) blocks during the NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday January 22, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with David Diehl following a victory against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants guard David Diehl looks to block during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants offensive lineman Kevin Boothe (77) and David Diehl (66) talk with offensive line coach Pat Flaherty during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday January 8, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
The New York Giants offensive line Kareem Mckenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), David Bass (64), Kevin Booth (77) and David Diehl (66) warm up prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) after an over time win in the NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday January 22, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants guard David Diehl #66 during an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday January 22, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco Ca. The New York Giants defeated the The San Francisco 49ers 20 - 17 during overtime in the NFC Championship game bringing them to face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) waits for the snap during an NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won the game, 20-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) blocks during the NFL wildcard playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday January 8, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants won the game 24-2. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ- JANUARY 8: David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at MetLife Stadium on January 8, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. The Giants won the game 21-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and guard David Diehl (66) celebrate in the locker room after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 overtime to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) talks with offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) blocks during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday December 4, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) hugs Eli Manning after his 27-yard touchdown pass to Mario Manningham during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Baas (64) and David Diehl (66) pass block during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, in San Francisco. The 49ers won the game, 27-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants offensive lineman Davis Baas (64) David Diehl (66) and Will Beatty (65) pass block during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, in San Francisco. The 49ers won the game, 27-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and guard David Diehl react during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game agains the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27), fullback Henry Hynoski (45), guard David Diehl (66) and quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is hugged by guard David Diehl (66) after his touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants 24-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
David Diehl attends the Samsung Hope for Children Gala on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) looks up during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, October 9, 2011 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Seahawks won the game 36-25. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass as David Diehl and David Baas block against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants David Diehl (66) and Jacquian Williams (57) join teammates on the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday October 16th, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) celebrates his touchdown with teammate David Diehl (66) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 31-27. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New York Giants' David Diehl (66) is shown on a screen at New Meadowlands Stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giant offensive lineman Chris Snee, David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie run sprints on the first day of NFL football training camp on Tuesday July 29, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) and New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrate after Jacobs scored a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl looks on before an NFL football game between the Giants and the St. Louis Rams Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants David Diehl (66) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) reacts with running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) after Bradshaw's touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, in Philadelphia. Giants won 29-16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants' David Diehl (66) reacts to a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks, in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with David Diehl (66) during the second quarter of the NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates his touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys with David Diehl during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning talks with teammate David Diehl as the Giants play the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants offensive linemen David Diehl (66) and Chris Snee (76) talk during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin looks on from the sidelines with David Diehl (66) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) watches practice with teammates Steve Smith (12), Jim Sorgi (19), David Diehl (66) and Adrian Tracy (98) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive linemen Chris Snee (76), Rich Seubert (69), David Diehl (66) and Will Beatty (65) break huddle during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giant David Diehl, right, signs an autograph for Brian Ridzik age 9 years of Bethel, C.T., as players arrive NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 31, 2010 (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
New York Giants offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara (60), David Diehl (66) and Kareem McKenzie during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive linemen Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Adam Koets (61), Rich Seubert (69) and David Diehl (66) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) performs a drill with teammate Jacob Bender during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) helps Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) up during the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) of the National Football Conference All-Stars looks on during the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl practice, January 29, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
A scuffle starts involving Philadelphia Eagles' Chris Clemons, center, and New York Giants' Shaun O'Hara, left, and David Diehl during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) runs onto the field with teammates Danny Clark (55) and Chase Blackburn (57) Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) points to a first down during the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) celebrates with tight end Kevin Boss (89) after Boss scored a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with teammate David Diehl (66) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
Offensive lineman David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants signs autographs following practice at training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl, left, talks with teammate Danny Clark, right, during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara (60) and David Diehl (66) hit a blocking sled during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks with offensive lineman David Diehl of the New York Giants during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants player David Diehl during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) talks to center Shaun O'Hara (60) during the NFL football Pro Bowl Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
New York Giants' Kareem McKenzie (67), David Diehl (66) and Michael Matthews (88) signal touchdown as running back Brandon Jacobs, center, scores a touchdown during overtime to give the Giants a 34-28 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game Sunday night, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Former New York Giants player David Diehl walk on the field before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday Nov. 15, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) celebrates a touchdown catch with tackle David Diehl (66) during first quarter of the NFL football Pro Bowl Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
Professional football player David Diehl arrives at the ESPYs Awards on Wednesday July 16, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10 ) celebrates with offensive lineman David Diehl (66) after an NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won the game, 20-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl (66) reacts as running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown while fending off Seattle Seahawks safety Brian Russell (25) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl talks to the media in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players including Shaun O'Hara (60) and David Diehl, right, celebrate after Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scored the wining touchdown on a 1-yard run against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The Giants beat the Cowboys 21-17. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants' David Diehl shows off a championship shirt after the team's victory over the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber celebrates with David Diehl after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) blocks Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware during an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as his teamate David Diehl (66) holds off New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas (96) during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quwarterback Eli Manning, right, briefs the Giants offensive line during football practice at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007. The Giants are preparing for this weekend's NFC wild-card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. From left are: guard Chris Snee (76), center Shaun O'Hara (60), guard Rich Seubert (69), and guard David Diehl (66). (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, left, and offensive tackle David Diehl (66) take the field prior to the start of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates a touchdown pass with David Diehl (66) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl, left, trades a high five with a young fan as her father holds her during autograph day following a team practice at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants backup quarterback David Carr, left, walks with tackle David Diehl during NFL football training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, July 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) with Jim Cordle, left, and David Diehl loosen up during NFL football practice, Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' David Diehl walks on the sideline of a practice field during NFL football camp, Thursday, May 30, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) helps Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) up during the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
Eli Manning Show Salsa Dancing
New York Giants during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday October 9th, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Eli Manning Show Salsa Dancing
Eli Manning Show Salsa Dancing
New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl (66) blocks during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Kareem Mckenzie, Chris Snee, Kevin Boothe, David Diehl
New York Giants guard David Diehl talks to the media during NFL football practice, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants travel to Green Bay to play the Packers in the playoffs on Jan. 15. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
David Diehl
Diehl's decision came as a surprise to his former teammates … until they thought about it.
"The biggest thing out of everybody's [reaction] is nobody was expecting this," said Diehl, who has a running group text with many of his fellow former linemen. "I mean, I knew that this was happening, this is what I wanted. But everybody was shocked when they saw this. But when they thought about it and talked to me, 'OK, it does make sense after we sat here and thought about it.'"
Even his former position coach was a little shocked at first but then became a sounding board for the ex-player looking to join the profession.
"As I told David when he called me when he got that job, they're fortunate to have a guy like him," said Pat Flaherty, who coached the Giants' offensive line from 2004-15, Tom Coughlin's entire tenure as head coach. "It's very difficult, in my opinion, to get somebody with experience and with passion. When you get that combination, you're really going to have a pretty good chemistry to be a great assistant, whether it's at the college level or the pro level. … He's going to be around young players just coming out of high school, and he's going to develop them the right way - which in this profession, there's a need for guys like David Diehl."
Never lacking energy or passion, Diehl seriously started to pursue a coaching career at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this past winter.
"To really make that step and make that big jump, I was sitting there watching all the players work out after watching film on every single one of them before they performed their drills, and I just knew this is exactly what I wanted," said Diehl, who attained his master's degree in education years ago in case his NFL career didn't go the way it went. "The dream and the love that I have to help kids fulfill their dreams, it's because I was in the same exact position as them. You always hear the cliché, 'I know exactly what it's like to sit in this room and to go through the things you're going through, I have at every single level.'"
Not a bad recruiting pitch. It will certainly be used by Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield, who has a background in developing offensive linemen.
"You know I will definitely be in this [New Jersey] area," Diehl said.
Although he will be valuable on the recruiting trail, Diehl will bring his expertise to the classroom. Diehl's role will center on breakdowns of the Tigers and their opponents, including strategic analysis of defensive lines, run fits, and pass schemes.
"He's been a student of the game, and he'll be able to share that with the players that he's going to coach," Flaherty said. "And that's sometimes difficult, how you express yourself to the players. I don't think Dave will have any problem at all because he has good patience. He can communicate very well. He's a great person with a great personality. He'll care for the players. They will find that out very quickly. As important, they should soak up the knowledge he has."
In addition to the Xs and Os, Diehl is also a master motivator.
"That's going to be natural for him," Flaherty said. "His playing days, that's his personality. He always has energy. The passion and the love for the game and the passion and love for his teammates has always been expressed by him. And that's genuine. That's not something that he had to put on a show about it. It just came right from his heart that will carry over to when he gets into coaching. He'll be great; he really will be. I'm excited for him because you can feel how excited he is about it. They're very fortunate to have him."
Flaherty, who has 40 years of coaching experience, shared his advice to Diehl as he enters Year 1.
"The biggest transition that those guys have is the time factor," Flaherty said. "As a player, you work a full day and long hours but then you go home. Well, as a coach, now you've got those night hours. That's going to be an adjustment. That's an adjustment for everybody, but he'll do real well. Be yourself [is my advice]. You've learned things the right way. You've done it. You've prepared yourself for this direction that you want to go in with coaching. I told Dave this: I'm a phone call away. I said if you ever have any questions about anything that comes up, just give me a call and I'll try not to screw you up like I did as a player and he laughed."
The modest Flaherty hardly did that. He developed the linemen who helped the Giants win two world championships, including four-time Pro Bowler Chris Snee, Shaun O'Hara, Rich Seubert, Kareem McKenzie, Kevin Boothe and, of course, Diehl.
"All those guys could be outstanding coaches," Flaherty said. "It was just the way that room developed. They helped one another. They were so unselfish. I can't say enough. That's what really made them tick. They didn't care about the notoriety. You always talk about the offensive line being a group, and you need a leader of a group. Well, that group had five leaders."
Diehl isn't the only connection to those teams that made its way to Memphis.
Packed in his SUV was a box containing every notebook from Diehl's playing days. An obsessive notetaker, Diehl kept every offensive line reminder, top 15 script, game prep, review notes, and playbook from 2003-13.
"I've always been that way," Diehl said. "I'm a person who could sit there and read something four times and, yeah, I'll get it. But I'm a visual learner. So if I hear it, I see it, and I write it down, it's ingrained in my memory. That's something that [offensive line coach] Harry Hiestand at the University of Illinois ingrained in me. Write notes. Keep yourself accountable. How do you know what you need to improve on if you go back and you're not even specific with it? When you write out detailed notes like that, it helps you not only understand and get that knowledge to where on the football field it's all about reaction. If you're thinking for that split-second, especially when you're playing offensive tackle, it's over for you. So, that's been the thing for me since the get-go."
Flaherty witnessed that first-hand.
"As a player, he was a guy that, like the rest of the group, they were very diligent in their preparation week in and week out and took great notes. I've always believed that football players either watch or study film, or tape as we know it now. That group, including David, studied the tape; they didn't just watch it. It's a big difference because when you study it, you learn how to read the defenses, how to read the different players you're playing against. It takes time to prepare like that, and that group did."
And it's because of that group and all that ensued that made leaving the Giants "bittersweet" for Diehl.
"The Wednesday of 2003 after my dad passed away, and to hear Wellington Mara and Ernie Accorsi say, 'This is your family. The door is always open.' It's why I was a Giant for life," Diehl said. "I told them right there that I can't promise a lot, but I can promise I'll be trustworthy, loyal and accountable until the end. For two decades, I have - to the best organization in the NFL."
That's what Memphis is getting now.
