PHOENIX – Everyone on the Super Bowl XLII Giants team can describe in great detail what they saw when David Tyree made his famous Velcro-helmet catch to set up the game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots.
Well, almost everyone.
"I didn't see that play," Osi Umenyiora said.
Well, that's not entirely true. The two-time All-Pro defensive end saw its early moments when Eli Manning was surrounded by the Patriots' defensive line and Richard Seymour got a fistful of his jersey. Umenyiora's thoughts turned so dark he couldn't watch what happened next.
"I saw them grab Eli, so I immediately put my head down because I thought the game was over at that point," Umenyiora said this week. "And then all I heard was the roar. I never actually saw what happened. I didn't even see the replay until I got home and saw what actually transpired."
Umenyiora was here at the site of Super Bowl LVII this week in his role as an NFL international ambassador. Since concluding his 12-year career in 2014, he has worked in a variety of roles to help the NFL grow outside of North America. "NFL UK, NFL Africa – just doing a bunch of things outside of America with the NFL," said Umenyiora, who lives in London, where he was born. "It's growing. And we're happy about it."
This is, of course, the 15th anniversary of the Giants' 17-14 victory against a Patriots team that entered the Super Bowl with an 18-0 record.
"I can't believe it's been 15 years already," Umenyiora said. "It feels like it was maybe just a couple years ago. Excited, happy. I'm happy being here. There's so many good memories. It was a blast."
That's an understatement. Not only did the Giants pull off one of the great upsets and memorable achievements in Super Bowl history, Umenyiora and fellow defensive linemen Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield and Jay Alford harassed Tom Brady all day. The final tally was five sacks, nine hits and one very irate future Hall of Fame quarterback.
"It was the key to the game," said Umenyiora, who had four tackles, one hit and recovered a Brady fumble forced by Tuck late in the second quarter. "I think we knew that going in. I emphasized that before the game going to Stray – let him know that there was literally no other way we were going to win this game unless we did what we did. And thankfully in the biggest game of all our lives, we all performed.
"He was at breakfast just laughing, and I was like, 'Stray, you're laughing. If we don't perform in the biggest game of our lives, we're not going to win this game.' He'd never really seen me like that before, so when I emphasized that to him, he knew how serious I was. And we went to work."
View iconic photos from the Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory over the undefeated Patriots.
In this Feb. 3, 2008, file photo, the New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) catches a 32-yard pass in the clutches of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants, the team that ruined their perfect season in that game four years ago. They advanced with one of Tom Brady's worst games of the season and unheralded Sterling Moore's best. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, left, leaps into the arms of Brandon Jacobs as Kareem McKenzie, right, raises his arms in celebration after the Giants scored against the New England Patriots in the final mometns of the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning meet on he field before the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Brady has three Super Bowl rings, with another taken away by Manning and the Giants in 2008. Both have their teams on course for a reprise of that memorable title game. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
FILE New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin encourages his team during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium in this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, file)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
ADVANCE FOR SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 - FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2008, file photo, New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talk on the sideline during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots in Glendale, Ariz. Since leaving the Giants two years ago to become the St. Louis Rams coach, Spagnuolo hasn't hesitated to seek advice from Coughlin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 during 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/Julie Jacobson)
Defensive end Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants gets set for the snap of the ball by the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium on February 3, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2008, file photo, New England Patriots players and the New York Giants players take the field during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, has the best grass field in the NFL, according to the latest survey by the players union. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 throws a pass downfield against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 calls a timeout immediately after completing a pass downfield against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 evades pressure against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning escaped pressure and completed a 32-yard miracle pass to David Tyree on the play, setting up the Giants winning TD. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
FILE In this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, center, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his coach Tom Coughlin, right, after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz. David Archuleta and David Cook are no professional athletes, but one of them will be celebrating like one on the "American Idol" finale on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. The next "Idol" champ will shout "I'm going to Disney World!" during the celebration immediately following the announcement, the first time those famous promotional words were uttered anywhere but a court or playing field. For more than two decades, Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals champs have made the pronouncement as the crowd cheers and confetti flies. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, file)
FILE New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin cheers on his team during pre-game warm-ups before the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium in this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, file)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree (85) is pulled down by New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather (31) and cornerback Ellis Hobbs III (27) during the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning points during the second quarter of the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants Zak DeOssie reacts after a play against New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls a play during 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/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and receiver David Tyree (85) celebrate the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy is blurred by a slow camera shutter speed while on display at the Phoenix Convention Center Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in Phoenix. The New England Patriots play the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, Feb. 3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots' Asante Samuel reacts to missing a fourth quarter interception against the New York Giants during the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) catches a complete pass as New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) tries to break up the play in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
A New York Giants fan celebrates following the Giants win over the New England Patriots at the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants fans celebrate during the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, scrambles away from New England Patriots defenders on third-and-5 before launching a 32-yard pass to David Tyree with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Tyree's reception set up the Giants final. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) gets tackled by New England Patriots safety James Sanders (36) and other defenders during the first quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. At top left are cornerback Ellis Hobbs III (27) and defensive back Brandon Meriweather (31). (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants receiver Amani Toomer (81) makes a catch during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) reacts after a sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), center, during the second half of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and Michael Strahan celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) reacts to an injury during the fourth quarter at the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots in University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots fans hold up signs and four fingers before the Super Bowl XLII football game between the Patriots and the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots were 18-0 for the season entering the game and were going for their fourth Super Bowl championship. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss (81) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and his teammate James Butler after Moss made a catch 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 receiver Amani Toomer (81) celebrates with fans after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, center, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his coach Tom Coughlin, right, after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) pulls in a pass as New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) closes in during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) celebrates his 5-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. At right is Patriots cornerback Randall Gay (21). (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and running back Plaxico Burress (17) join teammates in a huddle during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin cheers on his team in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during 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 quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after defeating the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) reacts during the Giants 17-14 win over the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches warm-ups before the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) gestures to the crowd during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New England Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) walks off the field after the Patriots lost to the New York Giants 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and Madison Hedgecock celebrate after their team scored the winning fourth-quarter touchdown during 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/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants receiver Steve Smith (12) is upended after a reception by New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather (31) during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) and Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrate after Strahan sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is seen during the Patriots' 17-14 loss to the New York Giants during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants players celebrate after beating the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots 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/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gets pressure from New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
University of Phoenix Stadium is seen prior to the start of the Super Bowl XLII football game between the New England Patriots and New York Giants on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) and Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrate after Strahan sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
A young Giants fan celebrates after the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) makes a 45-yards dash as New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas (96) and Ellis Hobbs III (27) pursue 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/Matt Slocum)
A New York Giants player holds up the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants fans react in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game between the Giants and New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) celebrates after teammate Kawika Mitchell sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin hugs defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) after defeating the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin reacts after defeating the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney (39) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (57) during the kick return to start the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning releases a pass as New England Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) closes in during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants players hold up the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stands next to New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants fans cheer for their team before 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/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) and Giants head coach Tom Coughlin celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants' Lawrence Tynes (9) kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New England Patriots receiver Kelley Washington, left, sits on the bench with his teammates after the Patriots lost to the New York Giants 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the trophy for Most Valuable Player during a news conference on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Phoenix. The Giants won the Super Bowl XLII football game by defeating the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs III (27), left, intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants receiver Steve Smith (12) in the second quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks to his teammate while sitting on the bench during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants players hold up the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and Michael Strahan celebrate the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after his 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the fourth quarter of 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/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants linebacker Zak DeOssie holds up a newspaper after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady walks off the field after the New York Giants beat the Patriots 17-14 during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants receiver Steve Smith (12) celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss (81) and New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) go after the ball in the final minute of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is doused by his player Madison Hedgecock after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) and Brandon Jacobs celebrate after Manning threw the game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, catches the game-winning touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots' Ellis Hobbs III during the final minute of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy alongside Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, and Terry Bradshaw after the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree, front right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots 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/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan kisses the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 17-14 to win Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and his coach Tom Coughlin look at the Vince Lombardi Trophy as they celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
RETRANSMISSION FOR ALTERNATE CROP New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after his 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the fourth quarter of 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/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) catches a 32-yard pass in the clutches of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) 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/Gene Puskar)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) fails to catch a pass in the end zone while under pressure from New England Patriots defenders Ellis Hobbs III, right, Brandon Meriweather, (31) and Asante Samuel in the third quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
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 receiver David Tyree, right, makes a catch against New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) 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 QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure and sets to pass against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates his 5-yard touchdown pass to David Tyree during the fourth quarter of 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/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure and passes downfield against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the third quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown by running back Laurence Maroney during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) strips the football from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) dives on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Brady was sacked on the play. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots running back Heath Evans (44) walks off the field amid a shower of confetti after the Patriots' 17-14 loss to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
FILE In this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo, New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. It was just 10 months ago that Burress became an instant New York sports hero after his clutch performance in the Super Bowl. But on Monday Dec. 1, 2008 , Burress was hauled out of a police precinct in handcuffs facing two weapons charges that could send him to jail. (AP Photo/David Duprey, File)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, admires the Vince Lombardi Trophy with broadcaster Terry Bradshaw after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates with fans after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) jumps for the ball against New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs (27) and James Sanders during the first quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The pass fell incomplete. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants' Guy Whimper (79) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy is seen at a news conference at the Phoenix Convention Center Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in Phoenix. The New England Patriots play the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, Feb. 3. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) reacts after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the third quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy, celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
FILE - In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York file photo, New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning looks on as defensive end Michael Strahan, holds the Super Bowl trophy during a parade celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. A reader-submitted question about extra pay for NFL playoff teams is being answered as part of an Associated Press Q&A column called "Ask AP." (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
New York Giants fans watch from the ground and from scaffolding during the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree holds up his key to the city during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. Tyree made a spectacular catch in the fourth quarter to help the Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
A New York Giants fan holds up a sign during a ceremony honoring the Giants at City Hall Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The sign was in reference to the Giants' 17-14 Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, which tarnished the Patriots' perfect season. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, left, and punter Jeff Feagles show off their keys to the city during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII 17-14 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, talks with defensive end Michael Strahan after receiving their keys to the city during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin addresses fans during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning waves to fans during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates with teammates during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Fans gather outside New York City Hall to honor the New York Giants Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin, center, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy as Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, right, look on during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, talks with Whoopi Goldberg during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan makes his way to the stage carrying the George C. Halas trophy of the NFC Championship trophy during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer high fives fans as he makes his way to the stage during a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning makes his way to the stage carrying the Vince Lomardi trophy for a ceremony honoring the team Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at City Hall in New York. The Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bow on Sunday.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Pool)
Players wave to fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Players wave to fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning celebrate during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans wave during a parade celebrating the Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Corinne Kelly, left, of Roselle Park, N.J. and Lauren Busko, of Garwood, N.J., second from left, join other fans as they celebrate during a parade for the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Players wave to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer rides through the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants fans celebrate during a Super Bowl victory parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan shows the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he rides through the Super Bowl victory parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants fan Ryan Schnepf, 23, walks through the confetti strewn on Broadway after the Super Bowl parade Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giantscoach Tom Coughlin holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Gary He)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Gary He)
The float carrying the Vince Lombardi Trophy makes its way up Broadway as the Super Bowl champion New York Giants football team receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Defensive end Michael Strahan, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, coach Tom Coughlin, and MVP quarterback Eli Manning, at the front of the float, from left, show off the Vince Lombardi Trophy to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants players Michael Strahan celebrates during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
A float carrying the Vince Lombardi Trophy makes its way up Broadway as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
RECROP VERSION Defensive end Michael Strahan, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, coach Tom Coughlin, and MVP quarterback Eli Manning, at the front of the float, from left, show off the Vince Lombardi Trophy to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in Lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
The Giants began turning up the pressure in the second quarter with seven-yard sacks on consecutive plays by linebacker Kawika Mitchell and Tuck, who led the team with 2.0.
What does Umenyiora recall most prominently about the assault?
"Just the number of times we got to Brady," he said. "Watching Justin Tuck get those sacks. And I was right there about to grab him. So, if Tuck wouldn't have gotten him, I would've gotten him. If I didn't get him, Stray would've got him. It was just the way the game unfolded. From beginning to end, we felt like we were in control of the game. We felt like we were going to win the game, oddly enough, even though we were severe underdogs. So, incredible time. Incredible game. I'm really happy to have experienced that."
That Giants-Patriots game was the first Super Bowl that matched the teams with the NFL's two highest sack totals; the 2007 Giants had 53, New England 47. The game tomorrow is the second such Super Bowl; Philadelphia led the NFL with 70 sacks, while Kansas City was second with 55.
Umenyiora sees similarities between those Giants and the current Super Bowl teams.
"More with Philadelphia," he said. "Kansas City has some outstanding players. They have (defensive end) Frank Clark, (defensive tackle) Chris Jones, two great players. But when you look at the Philadelphia Eagles and their defensive line as a collective, they have four players on that line (Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Haason Reddick and Javon Hargrave) with over 10 sacks, which is very similar to what we did with myself, Justin and Strahan in '07 (13.0, 10.0 and 9.0, respectively). So, I would say you can look at them more as having a collective of pass rushers more so than Kansas City."
Those fabled Giants defensive linemen – Strahan is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and all three are in the franchise's Ring of Honor – remain as close now as they were when they played.
"We speak on a daily basis," Umenyiora said. "We've got a group chat. Somebody's putting something in that group chat every single day, so we're in constant communication with each other."
In his current job, Umenyiora is particularly focused on finding NFL players in Africa. He lived in Nigeria for seven years as a youngster. In 2021, Umenyiora was one of the founders of NFL Africa, which is part of the league's International Player Pathway program (IPP). Through that program, the Giants signed tackle Roy Mbaeteka, who spent part of the 2022 season on their practice squad.
"I thought I was just going to go chill," Umenyiora said of his post-playing career. "I thought I was just going to go sit down somewhere. I knew I wanted to work in the international space. And thankfully, I had made some connections during my playing days that allowed me to do that. I was born in the United Kingdom, so that was the natural transition for me to go out to the UK when I was done. Like a week after I retired, I was in London."
He still firmly holds his football memories. Umenyiora played 171 regular-season and postseason games across 12 years. He was on two Super Bowl championship teams. But it was one night in the Arizona desert 15 years ago that he treasures most.
"You can't compare anything to that from a professional standpoint," Umenyiora said. "Not only playing, not only winning, not only those circumstances, but having a direct impact on the outcome of the game. That was very, very special."
