The New York Giants opted against their planned 10th and final practice of organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday.
Head coach John Harbaugh surprised the team by replacing the session with a bonding trip to New York City that included a visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Players had gathered for what they thought was a standard team breakfast before learning of the change in plans for the day.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Giants to pay respects to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks and to reflect on the significance of representing New York in this 25th anniversary year.
Clear blue skies on Thursday evoked memories of the morning of the attacks, when the Twin Towers stood tall and proud in the distance from the Giants’ East Rutherford, New Jersey, headquarters.
Harbaugh used the outing to underscore the franchise’s enduring connection to the city and its people, reminding everyone of the responsibility that comes with wearing the Giants uniform.
“The thing that just always gets to me is the unbelievable, incredible acts of bravery, the courage that people have in moments when they least expect it,” Harbaugh told the New York Post. “It’s amazing to me how people respond in these types of situations, especially in this country.”
“You get to see how catastrophic it was, just the impacts, the sadness, the grief,” quarterback Jaxson Dart said. “And at the same time you get to hear the stories about the heroes that were involved, and the first responders and even those inside the buildings helping each other out. In the moments of grief, you try to look at the courageous efforts and the love that people showed to one another.”
With OTAs now complete, the Giants will begin their three-day mandatory minicamp on Monday. The team opens the 2026 regular season at MetLife Stadium on September 13, two days after the anniversary, and intends to honor those lost during the weekend’s events.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants forgo final OTA practice for meaningful 9/11 Memorial visit
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Benton, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
