Senators fete the New Jersey Giants

5/22/2008 4:17 PM

By TOM HESTER Jr.
Associated Press Writer

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -The Super Bowl champion New Jersey Giants?

That name can't be found in the NFL standings, and the Giants helmets are emblazoned with a bold ``NY'' logo. But it was nevertheless proclaimed Thursday by New Jersey senators honoring this year's Super Bowl champions.

``Whether you're a football fan or not, I'm sure you found yourself caught up in the hype this past winter with the success of the New Jersey Giants,'' said Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen. ``I emphasize the New Jersey Giants.''

Sarlo's district includes Giants Stadium, where the Giants have played since 1976 while retaining their New York moniker.

And though the Giants tell the world they're from New York, Garden State senators said their come-from-behind attitude represented more of a Jersey mentality.

Sarlo said they resembled ``gutsy New Jerseyans'' and ``what we are all about here in New Jersey.''

The Giants beat the heavily favored New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl, ending New England's hopes for an undefeated season.

The Senate presented a ceremonial resolution to coach Tom Coughlin, who in turn gave Sarlo and Senate President Richard J. Codey new Giants helmets.

``You must be at your best when your best is needed, and certainly our football team was,'' Coughlin said.

The Giants and New York Jets, who have played in Giants Stadium since 1984, are building a new stadium near Giants Stadium that's scheduled to open in 2010.

The new stadium includes a new practice facility for the Giants, while the Jets are building a new headquarters in Florham Park.

``You'll be totally New Jersey, just like the Jets,'' Codey, D-Essex, told Coughlin.

The ceremony enlivened the usually reserved Senate, especially when Codey grabbed a football and unleashed a perfect pass across the Senate chamber to Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union.