The New York Giants have decided to part ways with running back Brandon Jacobs releasing him on Friday. Jacobs was slated to make close to $5 million this upcoming season.
As a 4th round pick out of Southern Illinois Jacobs was drafted to be a change of pace back to Tiki Barber's elusive running style. Jacobs was not only known for his menacing presence at a hulking 6'4'' and 256 pounds but also for his brash attitude. He got into an on-field argument during a Giants win over the New York Jets this past season with head coach Rex Ryan, who is also known for not holding his tongue.
General manger Jerry Reese said on the Giants website "Brandon has truly been a great Giant, ...we don't know what the future holds for Brandon, but we wish only the very best for him and his family."
In 7 seasons with the team Jacobs played in 100 games with over 4800 rushing yards with 56 touchdowns and 80 receptions for 730 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is first in franchise history for rushing touchdowns, fourth in yards and fifth in attempts.
Coach Tom Coughlin said of Jacobs via the Giants website “He always did what was in the best interest of team. No matter what you asked him to do, he performed and played in whatever role we asked him to perform. He really was a team player." Coughlin is alluding to Jacobs not only restructuring his deal last off-season to help resign fellow back and close friend on the team Ahmad Bradshaw but also sharing carries with him.
The 29-year-old Jacobs helped the Giants win two Super Bowls, both against the New England Patriots. Last season in 14 games he rushed for 573 yards and 7 touchdowns and started a handful of games down the stretch when Bradshaw missed time with a foot injury.
Jacobs expressed interest in returning to Big Blue but the two sides could not work out a deal. Jacobs said on the team's website “It’s been a great ride, it’s a great organization, a standup organization. I had fun. Won two Super Bowls here. I accomplished a lot in my career as a professional athlete here. That’s it. It’s been a good ride. Time to move on.”
From The Sports Mind Of RB:
I had a love hate relationship as a Giants fan with Brandon Jacobs. I saw him as a back that could destroy linebackers and defensive backs who tried to tackle him but that was not always the case. He had issues with fumbling and I felt that he should have been a better back then he was. But with all that said thank you for the memories and good luck to you as you move on.
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