Joe Morris and David Tyree have a lot in common. Both made an impact on the gridiron while wearing the Orange at Syracuse followed by Super Bowl titles playing for the New York Giants. On September 8, the former Syracuse standouts will be reunited with their alma mater on the Giants' home field to participate in the pre-game coin toss at New York's College Classic at MetLife Stadium, where Syracuse will host Southern California (3:30 p.m., ABC).
The Syracuse career rushing leader, Morris was the 1980 ECAC Offensive Player of the Year. 1978-81. He set the SU records for rushing yards in a game (252), a season (1,372) and career (4,299) during his Orange career, which spanned from 1978-81. The New York Giant selected Morris in the second round of the 1982 draft. During his seven years with the team, Morris was part of the Super Bowl XXI championship and played in two Pro Bowls. He closed his professional career after playing the 1991 season with the Cleveland Browns.
Tyree was a wide receiver and special teams standout for the Orange from 1999-02. He closed his SU career with 75 receptions for 1,214 yards. He was the 14th player in SU history to amass 1,000 or more receiving yards and ranked 13th on the career receiving record list. Tyree was selected in the 2003 NFL draft in the sixth round as the 211st overall pick by the New York Giants. Tyree would play a total of seven seasons in the NFL with the first six of those years with the Giants. The Montclair, N.J. native had a direct hand in the Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory, making 'the catch' by holding the ball against his helmet as he fell to the ground to set up his team's game-winning scoring drive.
Tickets, which range in price from $55 to $150, are on sale now at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, by phone at 800-745-3000, at Ticketmaster Retail Outlets, and the MetLife Stadium and IZOD Center Box Offices.
[
