Fantasy Football Cafe Forum

by **slowkidz** » Tue May 04, 2004 7:25 am

ESPN.com wrote:EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Neil O'Donnell won't be joining the New York Giants as a backup to top draft pick Eli Manning.

O'Donnell, a 14-year veteran who once started for the Jets, plans to retire rather than play another season. The Giants are seeking a veteran to help mentor Manning this year after they cut incumbent quarterback Kerry Collins, and O'Donnell was their first choice.

A native of New Jersey, O'Donnell finished his career with the Tennessee Titans. He came out of a temporary retirement to lead the Titans to a 33-13 victory over Tampa Bay in the season finale last December.

"It wasn't an easy decision," O'Donnell told the New York Daily News. "It really wasn't. It's home. All my high school buddies and everyone who followed my career, they all wanted me to come back home one more time. But I just felt the way it all ended last year, with the closure. . . . Don't tarnish the fine finish, right? That's how I look at it."

The Giants are expected to turn to Damon Huard, formerly of the Patriots, or perhaps even to Kurt Warner if he is released by St. Louis, as expected, after June 1.

Manning was selected with the first overall draft choice by San Diego, then traded to the Giants one hour later.

by **kashikis** » Tue May 04, 2004 7:30 am

I was really afraid he would say yes. Thank God O'Donnell won't be part of the Giants next season. :-°

by **Mercer Boy** » Tue May 04, 2004 8:25 am

It's definitely Neil's time to hang it up. Although I bring back bad tastes to GP and others, he did play in a Super Bowl (play is a broad term), start for quite a few seasons, and was a decent backup for the Titans for the last few years when McNair absolutely couldn't go out on the field.

The Giants spent a lot for Eli, so they might as well stick with him and let him get his growing pains. Even if he gets hurt, it's probably not worth it to the Giants to spend a lot on a backup.

by **Amazinz** » Tue May 04, 2004 12:28 pm

I don't think the Giants should skimp on a good backup. They need a smart QB to be there to mentor and help Manning through what will probably be a very rough year. I don't think they are actually looking for a guy who can step in and win should something happen to Eli. From this perspective I'd rather have O'Donnell than Warner.

by **ajgnydc722** » Tue May 04, 2004 2:05 pm

Haha. I can't wait to see E-cry and the Giants get mauled this year. ;-D

by **Homeless** » Tue May 04, 2004 2:35 pm

JintsFan wrote:I don't think the Giants should skimp on a good backup. They need a smart QB to be there to mentor and help Manning through what will probably be a very rough year. I don't think they are actually looking for a guy who can step in and win should something happen to Eli. From this perspective I'd rather have O'Donnell than Warner.

I agree and welcome to the Cafe Jints ;-D