Featured Image Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Worley/ Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Folks, I wanted to take a few minutes this morning to remember former Giants Head Coach Jim Fassel who passed away last night at the age of 71. For many of us in the Giants community, this was shocking news to wake up to.
Jim Fassel was the Head Coach of the Giants during some of the best of times and the worst of times. The best of times were when he led the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. The Giants didn’t win that game but it was still one of the best seasons that the team had in the Super Bowl era.
The worst of times was during 9/11. Jim Fassel rose to the challenge and started a foundation for those who were impacted by the worst terrorist attack in modern US history.
On a personal note, Jim Fassel was the first coach I remember for any of my favorite sports teams. I started watching the Giants in 2002 when I was just seven years old and Fassel was my coach. In many ways he was one of the first visions of leadership that I remember in my developmental years. To me, that means a lot.
So here’s to hoping that Giants fans can keep Jim Fassel’s memory alive forever. Remember him as a leader who got his players to work hard for him. Remember him as someone who stepped up to help his city when it was at its lowest point. Remember him as a Giant both on and off the field. Once a Giant, always a Giant….