New York Giants To Host Newtown Families As They Face Philadelphia Eagles
A rather large group of special fans will be honored during the New York Giants’ regular-season finale against Philadelphia on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
According to NY Daily News, almost 400 people from Newtown, Connecticut (consisting of students, parents, and faculty members) will be honored before kickoff on Sunday.
On Friday, Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin told his team the news.
He said:
“What it really means is that we were so taken back in shock and felt so badly for, not only the families of the children, but the principal and school psychologist — the real heroes who knew what was coming and still charged the attack. And it’s Giants country, we know that.”
He continued by saying:
“To have that group come down, it means a great deal to us to honor them. The best we can do is take each individual and play to the best of his ability and make a statement as a team as well . . . It’s special for us to have them here this weekend.”
The Sandy Hook group, along with 50 Wounded Warrior members, will form a path from the team tunnels to the field. Both the Giants and the Eagles will then run through the created path onto the turf.
Sandy Hook residents will also surround the field for the national anthem, and then all will share in a moment of silence before the game.
The Giants’ wide receiver Victor Cruz is excited about the idea.
Cruz said, “I think it’s great. I think it’s awesome.”
According to USA Today, Cruz learned that 6-year-old Jack Pinto, among those killed in the tragic shooting, was a diehard Cruz fan.
Jack Pinto was even laid to rest in Cruz’s jersey.
Last week, Cruz visited the Pinto family in Newtown “just to check up on them and see how they’re doing.”
Cruz said:
“They’re going to be at the game also. So I’m excited to see them again, and I think it’s good for them to get away a little bit and spend some time on a Sunday afternoon watching some football and getting their minds off of things a little bit.”
