EAST RUTHERFORD (N.J.) Kayvon ThibodeauxIt seems that he understands the end of the pre-draft process. The focus of one of the newest New York Giants is not on where he will draft or how he will build his brand. It’s all about football.
At his introductory conference, the fifth overall pick this year spoke out about his need to “grind” in order to make learning the playbook his top priority.
That’s what the Oregon product is all about.
Thibodeaux said, “Everything depends on what you do.” Thibodeaux stated, “It’s one thing that I feel with me. I can’t be a man who blows smoke.” I don’t want to be a guy who has nothing to show for his efforts. I cannot be a man that people don’t believe in. For me, it doesn’t matter what I say. I must go do the work.
It is particularly relevant for players who seem to have high aspirations outside of football. Thibodeaux faced criticisms throughout the draft that challenged his work ethic and his desire to excel. Some even suggested that he was too concerned with his brand.
Thibodeaux’s mentor Michael Strahan (Giants legend) brought up the subject during one their conversations. He said that Thibideaux needed to focus on the football-side first, before worrying about what might happen next.
Thibodeaux stated that Strahan’s advice helped him to “keep the main item the main one” “Football will be that avenue. If you keep the main point the main thing, football will be the terminal for all your other pursuits.
“He also revealed the possibility that other people believed the same about him. You must have planned this. He shared his experience with me, however, that he was not able to cultivate all the fields he worked on. It all fell into place.
Strahan had 141.5 tackles in his 15 seasons with the Giants. He was a four time first-team All Pro and made seven Pro Bowls. Thibodeaux, 21 years old, has yet to play in an NFL game. He is primarily focused on getting ready.
It is so insane. It was an iPad version of the playbook that they gave me when they handed it to me. Thibodeaux stated that I learned best writing so the brand was irrelevant to me. “The playbook is all I can think about right now. I will dive in and learn everything I can about it before I go to training camp.
He’ll likely be matched against a fellow first-round pick when he arrives. Evan Neal. The No. 7 pick from Alabama will likely start at right tackle for Giants.
It will be a familiar matchup. Thibodeaux and Neal both said that they were always up against each other in high school football camps.
Now they are together in New York.
Neal stated, “I believe it will push us tremendously.” “I believe that iron sharpens Iron, so what better place can you get better than the New York Giants. So I’m excited for the opportunity to compete and try my hardest, man. And hopefully we can make each other more successful.
They may not be wearing Giants jerseys, but it could look very different. Thibodeaux might not be wearing the No. 5. This is currently the Giants veteran kicker Graham Gano. Former New York safety officer Jabrill PeppersLast year’s No. 5. It might not be cheap.
“This is the real deal. Thibodeaux said that we are talking about real numbers and expressed a desire for No. Thibodeaux said that 5 has a special meaning to him. “I don’t understand 250 when you tell me. It’s all about the zeros. It’s so different now. He’s a great person. He’s a great guy.
Perhaps 55?
Thibodeaux stated, “It doesn’t sound quite as good as five but… the number don’t make the player.”