The New York Giants began their 2026 training camp on Wednesday at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
So, what better way to kick off camp than to play John Denver’s 1971 classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a song that extols the great state’s down-home beauty.
“Thrilled to be here,” head coach John Harbaugh told the media after the team’s first workout of camp. “The opening song of our meeting today was, of course, (Country Roads). You better believe it. It was great. And a lot of the guys knew the words. I knew the words. So, it was fun to kind of just get here and be a part of it.
“I’m just really appreciative of the people here. How good they’ve been. I mean, every single person says, ‘We appreciate you being here. What can we do for you?’ Make you feel welcome.”
Denver’s iconic song is being played at sporting events across the nation, just like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” has been for the past decade or so. That is why so many know the words. It’s a catchy sing-along number that is filled with Americana that carries a unifying message.
Unity was on display at the Giants’ opening day of camp, Harbaugh’s first with the team. He spoke about the team’s energy and enthusiasm.
“I was really happy with it. I thought we were on point,” said Harbaugh. “There was determination. Nobody was happy-go-lucky coming in. Everybody was in good spirits. But more than that, they were focused and determined to get off to a good start. I saw that from when they reported over there at the facility, did the conditioning test and all that back at our place in East Rutherford, and then here when we got here, and then today. So, I expect that to continue.”
As the Giants settle into their temporary home amid the mountains of West Virginia, the familiar strains of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” feel like more than just a clever opening soundtrack. For a team beginning a new chapter under John Harbaugh, the song’s simple promise of belonging and direction offers a fitting anthem for the work ahead.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants opened training camp with a John Denver classic
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John Fennelly, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
