Giants’ New Punters Anything But Conventional
Bond, Dodge Don’t Fit Normal Prototype
Jeff Feagles is leaving the NFL this week, closing out an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. The 44-year-old wunderkind, who has been the Giants punter for the past seven seasons has decided to finally pack it in giving way to two very interesting, unconventional prospects.
The first is Aussie-rules footballer Jy Bond, who can kick with both legs. The other is 7th round draft pick Matt Dodge, who lifts weights with the lineman.
Bond has very little football experience. He had a cup of coffee with the Miami Dolphins and has worked out with fellow countryman and San Diego Chargers punter, Darren Bennett.
Bond is big for a punter (6’3″, 231 lbs) and his Aussie football background suggests that he doesn’t fear much By all accounts Bond is very likable and has ingratiated himself on everyone in the organization, which has reflected positively on him.
Tom Coughlin seems to get a kick out of Bond. no pun intended. “Hey, I’m his mate, now” said a smiling Coughlin. “But then again, so is everyone else.”
Dodge (right) is punter who might be mistaken for a linebacker. Jerry Reese says Dodge hits “moonshots” and is a big, strong kid. He majored in construction management at East Carolina.
At 6’2″ and a muscular 220 lbs, Dodge is a punter, but he’s also a football player. He’s been known to seek out contact after he punts the ball. The coaches may not like that, but it never hurts to have another tackler on the field.
Dodge can also run with the ball should the Giants call a fake or the play break down.
Jeff Feagles was a great guy and a great punter, but it appears the Giants have found viable replacements for him in these two. Not only can they both punt, their uniqueness is destined to be part of Giants’ lure.
