Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2008

Schumer, Clinton, Lautenberg, Menendez Introduce Congressional Resolution Celebrating Giants Super Bowl Win

After Stunning Upset, Schumer, Clinton, Lautenberg, and Menendez Officially Recognize Super Bowl XLII Champions

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today officially celebrated the New York Giants stunning Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots by delivering congratulatory remarks from the Senate floor and introducing a resolution praising Big Blue. Schumer, a huge Giants fan and member of the Senate leadership, took to the Senate floor to honor the team and officially commend the grit and determination of the underdog Giants. The resolution introduced today by Schumer and Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Frank Lautenberg, and Robert Menendez, praised Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning and specifically recognized defensive linemen Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan, and wide receivers David Tyree and Plaxico Burress for game-breaking plays.

“Well, the Giants proved them wrong again and today we are world champions,” Schumer said. “I've been a Giants fan since I was five years old. I can remember watching Charlie Connerly, Sam Huff, Frank Gifford, and Alex Webster. Back then, the two most important Roosevelts to me were Brown and Grier. The Giants have won Super Bowls before, but this victory, coming from behind and defying the odds, make this win the sweetest of all. The Giants showed the grit and determination that New York is known for. They would not be denied at any point during the game, keeping the pressure on through all four quarters.”

"I'd like to congratulate Coach Coughlin, Eli Manning, Michael Strahan and the entire Giants organization on an amazing season and a remarkable Super Bowl victory. The heart and veracity they have played with all year epitomizes the best of what the NFL and New York stands for, and is a testament to team spirit. Standing in the face of adversity, against a truly dominant Patriots team, the Giants came together and showed the country what their fans already knew - they had the talent to win. I would also like to congratulate the Patriots on a great game and a historic season, the latest in a decade of excellence where they have become the franchise which all other teams have come to measure themselves against and sought to emulate. This was a Super Bowl for the ages, one that New York and the rest of the country will not soon forget, and the Giants proved once again that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere," said Senator Clinton.

“New Jersey football fans are extremely proud of the NY Giants’ victory last night because we knew all along not to underestimate their strength and determination,” said Menendez. “We are proud that the Garden State provides them a good home. With Eli Manning at the helm, the Giants were destined to rewrite history, defeating the Patriots and thereby returning the Lombardi Trophy back to its rightful home. This is exactly the sort of spectacular game that will be remembered for years to come,” said Senator Menendez.

“After a tremendous season, a remarkable run through the playoffs and an inspiring victory against the Patriots, the Giants are now Super Bowl champions. From their home turf in East Rutherford, New Jersey to their Super Bowl win in Arizona, the Giants had an impressive season and are now the best team in the National Football League for the third time in history. The Giants have always been champions in the hearts and minds of New Jerseyans and fans across the region and the world. I congratulate them on their victory,” said Sen. Lautenberg.

Last night, the New York Giants defeated the heavily favored New England Patriots 17 to 14.

Text of the resolution is below:

RESOLUTION

Congratulating the New York Giants on their victory in Super Bowl XLI.

Whereas, on Sunday, February 3, 2008, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 17-14 to win Super Bowl XLII;

Whereas, the Giants, who were double-digit underdogs, overcame overwhelming odds to defeat the Patriots;

Whereas Giants owners John K. Mara and Steve Tisch have have built the Giants organization into a championship caliber team;

Whereas Eli Manning, having led a game-winning drive for 83 yards at the end of the fourth quarter, was named the game's Most Valuable Player;

Whereas, David Tyree’s game-breaking catch will forever go down in Super Bowl history as one of the greatest plays ever;

Whereas, the relentless onslaught of the Giants defensive line, highlighted by spectacular plays by Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and team Captain Michael Strahan, sacked Patriots quarterback Tom Brady 5 times;

Whereas, the Giants capped off an amazing playoff run by winning all four playoff games on the road as underdogs;

Whereas Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, in his first appearance in the Super Bowl, lead his team to victory from the wild card spot;

Whereas this marks the third time in franchise history that the Giants have won the Super Bowl;

Whereas Giants fans from across the New York tri-state area have rallied together to cheer the Giants for coming from behind to win in the biggest upset in Super Bowl history: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the New York Giants on their victory in Super Bowl XLII.

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