David Tyree facts for kids
![]() Tyree reenacting the Helmet Catch during the Giants Super Bowl XLII victory rally in 2008
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No. 85, 17 | |||||||
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Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||
Personal information | |||||||
Born: | Livingston, New Jersey, U.S. |
January 3, 1980 ||||||
Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||
Weight: | 206 lb (93 kg) | ||||||
Career information | |||||||
High school: | Montclair (Montclair, New Jersey) | ||||||
College: | Syracuse | ||||||
NFL Draft: | 2003 / Round: 6 / Pick: 211 | ||||||
Career history | |||||||
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As executive: | |||||||
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Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
David Mikel Tyree (born January 3, 1980) is a former American football player. He played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. Most of his career was with the New York Giants.
Tyree played college football for the Syracuse Orange. The Giants chose him in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL draft. He is most famous for the "Helmet Catch" during Super Bowl XLII. This amazing catch helped the Giants win one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
In 2005, Tyree was recognized as a top special teams player. He earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. Even though he was often a backup player, his Super Bowl catch made him a legend. After his playing career, Tyree worked for the Giants as their director of player development from 2014 to 2017.
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Early Life and Football Beginnings
David Tyree was born in Livingston, New Jersey. He grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. As a kid, he played Youth Football for the Montclair Cobras. He even traveled to Florida for a tournament in 8th grade.
Tyree played high school football at Montclair High School. He was a three-year varsity player. He was also chosen as an All-American by Blue Chip Illustrated.
College Football Career
At Syracuse University, David Tyree had a successful college career. He ranked 13th in career receiving yards with 1,214 yards. One of his best games was against Virginia Tech in 2002, where he gained 229 yards.
Tyree also became known for his excellent special teams play. He blocked six punts during his time at Syracuse.
Professional Football Journey
Playing for the New York Giants
The New York Giants drafted David Tyree in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL draft. He was the 211th player chosen overall. With the Giants, he mostly played as a backup receiver. He never caught more than 19 passes in a single season.
However, Tyree was very important on special teams. His strong play there earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2005. In 2008, he had a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve. He left the Giants in September 2009.
The Famous Helmet Catch
David Tyree made history in Super Bowl XLII during the 2007 regular season. He had only four catches for 35 yards that season. But in the Super Bowl, he made two huge plays.
First, he caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Manning. This was his only touchdown catch of the season and the last of his career. It gave the Giants a 10–7 lead late in the game.
Later, with just over a minute left and the Giants behind 14–10, Manning escaped a sack. He then threw the ball 32 yards downfield toward Tyree. Tyree leaped high and caught the ball. He pressed it against his helmet with one hand while a Patriots player, Rodney Harrison, tried to pull it away. Tyree held onto the ball, keeping it just inches from the ground. This incredible play became known as the "Helmet Catch".
After the game, Eli Manning told his brother, Peyton, "I told you. He's a gamer," referring to Tyree. ESPN SportsCenter called it the greatest play in Super Bowl history. It also won the 2008 ESPY Award for Play of the Year. The catch moved the Giants close to the Patriots' goal line. A few plays later, Manning threw a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, winning the game for the Giants 17–14. Tyree dedicated this memorable catch to his mother, Thelma, who had passed away that year. It was the last catch he ever made in an NFL game.
Time with the Baltimore Ravens
On October 13, 2009, David Tyree signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He played in ten games for the Ravens but did not have any receptions.
Retirement from Football
David Tyree officially retired from the NFL on July 29, 2010. He signed a special one-day contract with the Giants to retire as a member of their team. On February 5, 2012, he watched from the Giants' sideline as his former team beat the Patriots again in Super Bowl XLVI. Later, on July 22, 2014, he returned to the Giants as their Director of Player Development, a role he held until 2017.
Personal Life and Community Work
David Tyree is married to his wife, Leilah, and they have seven children. He is a born-again Christian. He has appeared at Christian concerts like "BattleCry" in 2008 and 2009.
In 2006, David and Leilah Tyree started a project called Next In Line. This program helps and guides teenagers in his hometown. He is also a cousin of former basketball player and current television analyst Jay Williams.
See also
- History of the New York Giants (1994–present)