Fans of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, New England Patriots or Philadelphia Eagles will likely disagree with most of the statements posted below.
The 2011 New York Giants were truly America's Team. No, they weren't the most popular or most-watched team in the country over the past 5+ months. Other high-profile teams, such as the Green Bay Packers, likely made more money in merchandise sales than did the Giants since last January. The 2011 Giants squad had something for everybody, though, whether you are a lifelong Big Blue supporter who has watched since before you could really understood football, or a bandwagon fan not sure if Mark Sanchez is the starting quarterback for the current Super Bowl champs. They certainly won't go down as the greatest team in franchise history, but the 2011 Giants just might be my favorite edition.
Giants as America's Team: The leaders
You really don't get much more "classic" than the duo of head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning. Coughlin is a true throwback, a stern yet likeable general who, since the beginning of the '07 season, has won over nearly every player that has spent time with the franchise in the past four seasons. Antrel Rolle, for example, once voiced his displeasure with Coughlin in January of 2011. As time went on and the team evolved, Rolle eventually came around. Even if you prefer larger-than-average head coaches who make guarantees that can't be backed up by their players, there's no reason any football fan shouldn't at least have a ton of respect for Coughlin.
Eli Manning is rarely ever going to make noise with comments made to reporters. Sure, he'll start up some debates when he suggests that he is an "elite" QB. For the most part, however, Manning does his talking on the field. Even when he finds a teammate for a score, Manning usually just gives a characteristic fist pump or two before heading toward the sideline. That doesn't mean Eli isn't entertaining. After all, he is without question one of the most clutch players in the league. Manning has somewhat quietly evolved into a top tier quarterback, one capable of winning multiple championships over the next several years.
Giants as America's Team: The "out of nowheres"
It's impossible to not cheer for Victor Cruz. A fourth option at WR back in early August, Cruz became one of Eli's go-to guys heading into the playoff run that ended with the Giants hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. The young man does a salsa dance every time he finds the end zone, and he almost always has a smile on his face while playing. Cruz is clearly living the dream this February, and he is now one of the team's most popular players. What's not to like?
Cruz isn't alone in this category. Bear Pascoe proved that the Giants could survive losing Kevin Boss to free agency. Steve Weatherford surprised many by being the league's best punter during the postseason. Jacquian Williams was responsible for the strip in the NFC title game that helped propel the Giants to the Super Bowl. The Giants won a championship because of a true team effort, and players like Williams are proof of that.
Giants as America's Team: Swagger
Not everybody roots for only the quiet guys who "have fun" while out on the field. Some fans prefer their favorite players to have a little cockiness. I present to such fans wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, a number one WR in name and on the field. Nicks makes the acrobatic plays you'd expect from such a WR, and he also taunts opposing teams with unique touchdown celebrations. Just think, Giants fans. We could have had Braylon Edwards instead of Nicks a couple of years ago.
On defense, Jason Pierre-Paul guaranteed victory during the playoffs. Chris Canty told fans to "get ready for a parade" one week before the Giants made their journey through the Canyon of Heroes. The previously mentioned Antrel Rolle will talk about the greatness of the Giants to anybody who will listen. The "Talk is cheap, play the game" mantra is nice and all, but it's clearly one that wasn't followed by everybody on this particular team.
Giants as America's Team: Style of play
Regardless of the brand of football you prefer, the 2011 Giants were for you. Like bruising play that includes guys running over opponents? Look no further than Brandon Jacobs and Bear Pascoe. Want to see highlight reel plays that live in the memory? Mario Manningham, Nicks, Cruz and Manning have you covered. Those who cheer for defense over offense need only look at New York's front four, one featuring JPP, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. The 2011 Giants were for you, regardless of who you are.
Fans of these Giants couldn't complain about being bored during the final two months of the season. Big Blue nearly defeated the seemingly unbeatable Packers back in early December. They then went into Dallas and beat the Cowboys thanks to a last-second field goal block. New York then defeated those same Cowboys in what was essentially a home playoff game on January 1. Emotional thrillers against the Packers, Niners and Patriots were both fun and excruciating to watch. Thanks largely to Eli Manning, the Giants became kings of the fourth quarter comeback. They were the most unlikely "most exciting team in football" the NFL has seen in years, one that rarely made things easy for New York supporters.
The 2008 Giants will always hold a special spot in my heart. These Giants were different, though. They frustrated you with losses against the Seattle Seahawks, and ripped your heart out with lackluster performances at home against rivals like Philly and the Washington Redskins. Despite the roller coaster play and all of the team's flaws, you couldn't help but love these Giants; and love them we shall forevermore after Sunday night.
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.
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