Chris Canty was decked out in blue practice gear, including officially issued Giants shorts. In the hot New York sun, the now Super Bowl Champion DT wasn't toiling through an OTA or training camp session. He wasn't running through the resistant, yet refreshingly cold water of the Giants training room pool. He wasn't even enjoying the brief time off that NFL players are granted as June and July meld together.
Instead, Canty was at George Washington High School, just blocks from where he grew up in the Bronx. With the help of a sizeable group of NFL players (including teammates Michael Boley and Clint Sintim), The Chris Canty Foundation kicked off Day 1 of the Camp of Champions. The program, which aims to "utilize the platform of sports to affect positive change in the lives of children," was open to boys between the ages of 8 and 16.
During the camp, Canty again got the opportunity to discuss the recent NFL Network's Top 100 rankings. Already having made known his opinion of Eli Manning's 31st rank, Canty offered his theory as to why the two-time Super Bowl MVP tends to attract arguably undue criticism. "He's the little brother." Canty said. "How he presents himself, he's not loud, he's not outspoken" Canty continued. "Humility gets a bad rap in all that."
Canty, who has publicly claimed that he will be ready to work come training camp, demonstrated focus for the upcoming season. "People don't care about what we did last season. Any true competitor is up for the challenge, we're going to relish it, we're going to embrace it and then we're going to strap it up."
When pressed about the legitimacy of the claims that he is prepared to return to action after offseason surgery, Canty responded, "I look pretty good right?"
Regardless of when Canty gets to the practice field, he is in line to be a returning member of the New York championship defense. Fellow returning starter, Michael Boley, hinted that perhaps we will see yet another familiar fixture. While answering a question about an increased dosage of MLB in 2012, Boley was led to the topic of a currently unsigned Deon Grant and the safety's chances of returning to New York.
"I hope (he returns)" said Boley. "Right now he's just staying in shape and waiting to get a call from someone." But a brief smile was evident on his face while he placed a slight emphasis on "someone."
Grant was also a last minute addition to the Giants in 2011. After success utilizing a three-safety system in 2010, Grant was brought back due to a lack of experience or depth at the position.
This year, the Giants top candidate to win the third safety spot is Tyler Sash. The second year player has already suffered a hamstring injury during spring practices. While the Giants could opt to keep Sash and one of their UDFA projects that are currently on the 90-man roster, it could behoove them to take another look at a proven vet.
