The buzz surrounding this year’s Super Bowl is electrifying. From the emergence of Victor Cruz, to the match-up that gives the Patriots their shot at redemption, the Super Bowl is a buffet of captivating stories. However, the story of Giants’ guard David Diehl has flown under the radar. Drafted in the fifth round, Diehl has started every game he has played in. Since being drafted in 2003, Diehl has missed only four games to injury, thereby starting 150 out of 154 games. Moreover, Diehl is one of the most dynamic offensive linemen in the NFL, having played every position on the offensive line other than center. Pro Player Insiders had a chance to chat with Diehl in Indy as he prepares for the big game.
PPI: Does playing in this Super Bowl have any special meaning to you?
DD: Being in the Super Bowl has meaning to any player. This is the game you dreamed about playing in as a kid. Even though we are players now we were fans before. Being here for the second time is amazing. There are guys that have played 14 -15 years and haven’t had the opportunity to get here once. This is my second time in 9 years and to me this is a very special and precious opportunity.
PPI: What was your favorite football memory from before you joined the NFL?
Being from Chicago. Walter Payton was my favorite player and I remember the 85 Bears even though I was only 5 years old when they won that game. Watching the game, you realize it is bigger than the players or the teams. It doesn’t matter what team you watch because it’s the rivalry that that makes the game exciting.
Indeed, the Patriots versus Giants has become a riveting rivalry. Someday, future NFL players will mention these Super Bowl match-ups as one of the best in history. With the Giant’s work ethic and determination, there’s a good chance we’ll be talking about future appearances.
PPI: Have you prepared for the game any differently than what you did four years ago?
DD: Everyone keeps going back to four years ago. This is a whole new year. We’ve installed everything and had great practices and we approached last week like we had a game. I know when it comes practice time and game time; our guys will be ready because this opportunity doesn’t come often.
PPI: Have you mentored anyone on the team?
Hakeem Nicks is the person I mentored right out of NC when he was getting ready for the draft. I helped him find places to live in NJ and showed him what it takes to make it in the game. He works hard to prepare mentally and physically. We are like brothers even though we are different ages and came from different places. When he is running down the field, you are going to see me running down the field behind him trying to make sure no body hits him.
Diehl’s comment captures the essence of this year’s New York Giants team. They are successful because they have each other’s back. Being the last team to receive their ticket into the playoffs, the Giants breathe new meaning to the cliché “Take each game one at a time.” The fact that they persevered through essentially four playoff games conjures whispers of destiny.
PPI: What was the moment that as a team, the Giants players realized they had something special this past season?
DD: We all believed in one another and that we had the talent in the room to win it all. It takes all three teams – offense, defense, and special teams working as a collective to win.
We had three games left to win the division and make the playoffs. We needed to show each other and the critics we had what it takes. We looked each other in the eye and we prepared and practiced like never before. We knew it was going to take every single one of us to win and that gave us the push and the boost to succeed.
PPI: What was your off season like and what role did your NFLPA team rep, Kareem McKenzie, play in keeping things on track during the Lockout?
DD: Kareem McKenzie is on the A team as far as leadership goes. During the lockout, we had to schedule our own practices and workouts. We had to plan, as players, how best to prepare for the season so that when the lockout ended then we were ready. McKenzie and other team representatives sacrificed their own preparation and careers to provide leadership for their team and other players throughout the league.
PPI: What was it like playing all 16 games as a rookie?
DD: The more experience you have playing the more you grow as a player and that helped me. When you’re a rookie you want the other members of the team to rely on you. I was not going to let the guys down when things were tough or on the line.
I use that same attitude and approach now. Treat each year like the first year. You have to fight for your job, prove yourself and work hard to keep it. There is always some younger and cheaper looking to take you place.
This unwavering desire to constantly prove himself has been key to his success. By approaching the Super Bowl with the same mindset, Diehl knows that the past has no affect on the outcome of Sunday’s game.
Scottie Graham and Gary Wang contributed to this story.
