Former Giants Michael Strahan and Jeremy Shockey have never been ones  to mince words.  Yesterday, both Giant greats showed they still have a driving passion for Big Blue more than two years after their Giant careers ended.

Osi: “I wont be a backup…”

Okay, Osi. Then stop playing like one. Last season, Umenyiora was rendered invisible most weeks by a single offensive tackle. He wants to prove that he can still be an elite defensive end, but he also wants to keep his starting position and play every down.

He won’t settle for being a backup.

“It’s not something that I’m going to do. If I’m asked to come back there and do that then I’ll just stop playing football.”

Granted, he was coming off a lost season where he had major knee surgery. To that, former teammate Michael Strahan came to Osi’s defense. He said it usually takes two seasons after surgery for a player to get back into the groove.

“Next season will be a year in which I expect him to do big things because now that knee injury will really be behind him and he can make the mark that he’s made in his previous seasons.”

Plaxico Vows to Play Again

Former Giant WR Plaxico Burress is determined to return to the NFL once he completes his commitment to the New York State Department of Corrections.

In an interview with his former coach, Bill Cowher (set to air Sunday), Burress said he is staying in shape and hopes to play again in 2011. Cowher believes Burress’ contrition is genuine and is truly sorry for his actions. He also believes Burress will make the most of any second chance, should it arise.

“He admittedly blames no one except himself. He’s had a lot of time to reflect.”

Jeremy Shockey, in Miami for the Super Bowl as a member of the New Orleans Saints, had only good things to say about his former teammate.

“It’s something I would like to see,” Shockey said. “Plaxico’s a great guy. He made a mistake like all of us do. Plaxico’s a freak of nature,” he said. “He can do whatever he puts his mind to. It would not shock me to see as soon as he gets out for someone to pick him up and really be a force like he was with the Giants.”

“He was a great teammate. I consider him a great friend. He’s always a good guy to have in the locker room. Teaches young guys how to run routes. He’s a good guy. He just made a bad mistake.”

Strahan also had something to add regarding Burress. “….he has a lot of hunger to prove himself, to show that he can still play and do well at it, and nobody could pretty much cover him half the time anyway and I doubt they’ll be able to do it when he comes out.”