The ring not only has significance for this current Super Bowl team, but honors the franchise’s previous championship clubs as well. From Michael Eisen of Giants.com:

The rings shank tells the story of this season’s championship team and honors The Giants legacy. One shank of the ring has the Giants logo, the Lombardi Trophy, the NFL shield, the words “Super Bowl XLVI” and the final score – NYG 21 NE 17. The opposite shank has the recipient’s name, the Giants circular logo with the player’s number in the center and EST. 1925 (the year the franchise was founded). The lower palm side of shanks list the four seasons the Giants won the Super Bowl: 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011.

The rings also have the team’s credo (“Finish”) and battle cry (“All-In”)  - which played huge roles in keeping the team focused and on course for another championship – engraved on the inside.

“We definitely wanted ‘Finish,’ we definitely wanted ‘All In,’”  Justin Tuck said as per Paul Schwartz of The Post. “Those were two things we prided ourselves on, not only during the season, but especially through the playoff run. And we won games that way. So we definitely wanted those in there.”

“Stray [former Giant Michael Strahan] talked about the 10-table ring,” Tuck said. “He wanted a ring you could see from 10 tables away. I talked about the restaurant ring. I wanted one that was big enough to see throughout whatever restaurant you go in and see it from each corner.’”

Any suggestions for next year’s ring?

“don’t think he knew where he was,” Bavaro told reporters via the Star-Ledger. “He’d tackled somebody on a kickoff return earlier in the game and he was kind of out of it. [Giants long snapper] Steve DeOssie had to kind of, actually, guide him on the field and line it up. But you know, that was regular stuff back then. Matt was a great guy, a tough guy, and we certainly appreciated him coming out and doing that for us. But I don’t think that stuff happens today.”

Bavaro is not one to mince words, and this time is no different. He’s not telling takes out of school. Times have changed and treatment for concussions have, too. This type of thing happened in almost every game to somebody….

Our man at Capital New York, Greg Hanlon, reached out to Bahr to validate the story….

This morning, I called Bahr, who now lives in Pittsburgh and coaches soccer, to confirm the story.

He said he actually suffered the concussion the week before, against the Bears, while making a tackle on a kickoff. He wasn’t clear-headed for the remaining two games of the season.

“I think they called it ‘You were dinged up,” he said. “Way back when, you had to be knocked out [for concussions to be taken seriously]. And I know I was woozy and dinged up. And one of the doctors was joking that they had to hang around me all game with one of those ammonia capsules.”

“But again, my memories are fuzzy—that may be a symptom,” he said, joking. “You’re talking a real long time ago, with a person who’s traditionally in a fog anyway.”

In this day and age, Bahr obviously would not have been permitted to play in the game. The medical staff and the league would have clear him after the required “battery” of tests. But who knows? He may have passed…..

Bahr told Greg he hadn’t really dwelled on that period of time until recently:

“I’ve never really thought about it,” he said. “Back then, nobody really thought about it. [The Giants] wouldn’t put me in harm’s way by any stretch.”

The NFL’s three most prolific passing offenses last season belonged to the New Orleans Saints (334.2 ypg), New England Patriots (317.8 ypg) and Green Bay Packers (307.8 ypg). There are a number of reasons why these offenses were so good last season, chief among them sound offensive line play, explosive receivers, schematic superiority and quarterback mastery.

It also helps when you have tight ends who—to put it rather bluntly but completely accurately—are dominant in every sense of the word.

Blocking was long held as the primary duty of most NFL tight ends. That couldn’t be farther from the truth in today’s league, where explosive catch-and-run capabilities are a must for any TE in an above-average offensive system. The plodding, block-first TEs of old have morphed into the receiving threats of incalculable effectiveness littered about today’s elite pass offenses.

Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski and Jermichael Finley exemplify this new breed of alpha-male tight end, players with both the strength to run over defensive backs and the speed to evade linebackers. It’s almost unfair really, the way these players confound opposing defensive coordinators with their otherworldly brute force and athleticism.

The Giants had the pleasure of trying to defend one of these new age TEs in the NFC Championship game, when the 49ers’ Vernon Davis outran Antrell Rolle and the rest of the secondary for a 73-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Big Blue overcame the early setback, thanks in large part to some particularly heady play on special teams from both Jacquain Williams and Devin Thomas (ok, Kyle Williams had something to do with it, too.) The ensuing victory in San Francisco presented Perry Fewell with a more difficult challenge: defending Gronkowski in the Super Bowl.

Fortunately for Big Blue, New England’s Hulk-like pass-catching threat was hobbled by an ankle injury, accounting for a mere two catches and 26 receiving yards and sparing the Giants’ secondary from the havoc he frequently and so effortlessly wreaked on his opponents all season.

Big Blue is yet to develop a Gronk-like talent, but they may have acquired a similar player with their fourth-round pick in this year’s draft.

I speak of Adrien Robinson, the 6-4, 265-lb TE from Cincinnati who general manager Jerry Reese called the “Jason Pierre-Paul of tight ends.” While Robinson may not live up to those lofty expectations, he could provide the Giants with another dynamic receiving target to complement a set of explosive receivers. Better yet, his size, speed (4.58 40-yd dash at his pro day) and quickness make him the perfect candidate to follow in the footsteps of Graham, Finley, Davis and Gronkowski.

Eli Manning threw for 4,933 yards and 29 touchdowns last year with Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum as his primary receiving tight ends. Ballard and Beckum are two solid players, to be sure. But in terms of talent, neither is in the same stratosphere as any of the players I just mentioned.

Robinson is raw and completely unproven. He was a one-year starter with the Bearcats and caught just 29 passes during his collegiate career. Similarly, the Saints’ Graham started at tight end for Miami for just one season and had just 17 catches to his name when New Orleans took him in the third-round of the 2010 draft. Known more for his exploits on the hardwood than on the gridiron while at Miami, Graham was the main beneficiary of Drew Brees’ record-breaking 2011 campaign, leading the Saints with 1,310 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Robinson is the same type of developmental, tons-of-upside talent that Graham was coming out of college. It would be foolish to expect him to make the same immediate impact, let alone supplant Martellus Bennett atop the tight end depth chart right away. But if TE coach Mike Pope can transform that size, speed and upside into the next matchup-nightmare, Graham-like TE-WR hybrid, Eli would have another dangerous weapon to go along with an already impressive receiving corps, the one missing piece in an otherwise potent passing attack.

“It ain’t that we don’t care. We just understand it’s a part of the game, and why make it bigger than what it is?” said the defensive captain, appearing at the screening for Subway, a sponsor of the movie starring the Giants’ inspirational figure Lt. Col. Greg Gadson. “You can add fuel to a fire and make it huge. Right now, it’s just smoke, you don’t even see the flames yet. So we’d like to keep it that way.”

The Giants will receive their Super Bowl XLVI Championship rings tonight at Tiffany’s. There has been quite a bit of tweeting going around regarding what the rings will look like.

Head coach Tom Coughlin is not concerned so much with the style, just the substance…..

I think the players had their statements based on the last (ring) and what we thought would improve from the last time. They asked me. I said I would like one thing on there: ‘World Champions.”"

His son-in-law, Chris Snee, who was also at the Waldorf last night for the United Way of NYC Gridiron Gala, said he was excited about receiving his second ring in five years.

OL Chris Snee said he got a glimpse of the new ring thanks to some tweets from teammates, although no one could confirm whether any of those mockups were what the team eventually went with….

“I’m excited to put it next to the other one,” he said. When asked what the difference is between this ring and the first one Snee said “it’s got one more color in it, that’s all.”

He said he rarely wears the XLII ring but will wear it tonight to see them “side-by-side”, although he could not wear them on consecutive fingers…

Giants’ OL Chris Snee was one of the players honored at the Waldorf last night.

Giants’ OL Chris Snee was one of the honorees at the United Way of New York City Gridiron Gala last night at the Waldorf.

He is normally not one to be the center of attention, but that does not inhibit his calendar when it comes to attending charity functions:

“I like to do off the field work and not really get noticed for it. It’s just the way I’ve always been. If someone asks me if I want a camera there, I say ‘no’.”

Snee is one of the two remaining lineman (David Diehl is the other) from the team’s record-setting group of a few years back. Change is coming, as the team has been loading up on young lineman and Snee appears to be prepared.

“It’s exciting, but then again I’ve seen rookies come and go, so you can’t really count on them until you see what they can do on the field. Time will tell, and then we’ll get excited or move on. They come in and they have to prove to us they can play and they know the offense and can catch on quickly.” Snee said last night.

He said the logical thing for the team to do during this transition period is to move Diehl to right tackle and place Will Beatty back at LT. He, of course, will remain at RG.

“My number will be called at some point, and they’ll have to put another right guard in there,’’ Snee stated in between photo ops and autographs. “I’m enjoying being the right guard and hopefully have a better season than last.’’

He did not make excuses about the line’s poor performance in the rushing game last year. He was asked if his elbow had caused his play to falter. Injuries, he said, were not to blame.

“I need to play better,” he said.

Former and current NY football stars were out in force last night at the Waldorf-Astoria in midtown at the United Way of NYC’s Gridiron Gala to benefit local at-risk youths.

In attendance were such legends as Hall of Famers Harry Carson and Joe Namath, Joe Klecko, Sean Landeta and Wesley Walker. Giants’ head coach Tom Coughlin signed mini-footballs from the moment he walked in the door to the moment he sat down to dinner….Victor Cruz, Chris Snee, Chris Canty, Hakeem Nicks, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Dustin Keller, Lawrence Tynes and Muhammad Wilkinson were among the current players in the house last night

SNY’s Jeane Coakley spoke with Namath, who drew a huge crowd all night long…

Victor Cruz signed dozens of mini-footballs for the fans at the Waldorf last night.

When MLB Chase Blackburn returned last November, the Giants’ defense began to gel. This season, DC Perry Fewell has wasted no time naming Blackburn his starter at MLB.

In spite of many ups and downs over the last several seasons, the Giants defensive unit is undoubtedly an asset rather than a liability. The group’s speed and athleticism affords Perry Fewell the ability to manipulate the game plan of opposing teams’ offenses, while also perplexing their opponents’ starting quarterbacks.

The pass rush has been the most potent aspect of the defense over the last decade, so it is no surprise that the Giants managed to knockout 5 opposing quarterbacks in just the first two months of the 2010 season, and with no financial compensation. Aside from being 3rd in the NFC in sacks with 48 last season, the Giants were 14th in passing yards allowed per game, 11th in rushing yards, and 13th in total yards.

These are, by no means, spectacular numbers for a team coming off of a Super Bowl win, however the Giants limited their playoff opponents to 328.0 total yards per game against four of the best offensive groups in the NFL, over 70 yards better than the next closest team. Their ability to get stops when it counts speaks volumes about the coaching staff, veteran leadership, and heart of this unit, one that continues to grow increasingly cohesive, as they get more familiar with each other and Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell.

Although the Giants used the early rounds of this year’s draft to focus on offensive skilled positions, General Manager Jerry Reese still managed to add a wide range of talent via the draft and free agency.

Despite having to say goodbye to Aaron Ross (Jaguars) and Dave Tollefson (Raiders), the Giants will be able to fill the void with a mix of youth and role-playing veterans. The secondary was bolstered with the addition of Chris Horton, a UCLA product who experienced success as a rookie, but is now looking to revamp his career following a couple injurious seasons.

They also signed Antwuan Molden, a player who had a solid season for the Patriots and who brings invaluable experience having played in a Super Bowl after just three seasons in the NFL. In the third round of this year’s draft, Reese managed to scoop up great value in Jayron Hosley out of Virginia Tech, a player with a tremendous amount of talent, despite not going in the first or second round. Hosley had a very impressive nine interceptions as a sophomore in 2010, and despite only having three last year, he significantly improved his tackling ability, making him a more balanced and NFL-ready defensive back.

On the defensive front, the Giants quickly replaced Rocky Bernard with Shaun Rogers, a colossal veteran who will help against the run while also creating space for the defensive ends by clogging up the middle. Marvin Austin, a second year player and 2011 second-round draft pick, will also be an interesting addition to the interior line, despite coming off a season-ending injury in 2011, and the Giants have always expected him to produce early and often.

Overall, Jerry Reese has done a superb job of turning the defensive tackle position from a glaring weakness to a significant strength with size, speed, and depth. What will happen in terms of the linebacking core is a little unclear, but this is an encouraging thing given the competition that will take place and the multitude of talent the Giants have acquired over the last several years.

As Perry Fewell said last week, Chase Blackburn will get much-deserved playing time on the inside, but don’t be surprised to see all three linebacking positions spelled often given the abilities of Greg Jones, Jaquain Williams, Mark Herzlich, Keith Rivers, Spencer Paysinger, and even Adrian Tracy.

Coming off of a Super Bowl win, the Giants would be considered contenders to repeat regardless of what they did this offseason. It’s never been Jerry Reese’s preference to go after big names via trades or free agency, and his ability to locate talent throughout all seven rounds of the NFL Draft as well as the days immediately following, has made him one of the most pure and successful talent evaluators and General Managers in all of football.

With the additions made this past offseason, look for the Giants to improve upon any success they have had in recent years. Coupled with one of the best offensive groups in the league, the defensive unit will be a reliable anchor for Big Blue, and will be an integral part of the team, if a repeat is in store.

Redskins: Keenan Robinson (LB)

Joking…it’s obviously Robert Griffin III. The Redskins gave up a bounty (bad word choice?) for RGIII, and he’s expected to be an explosive, all-around QB early in his career.  The NFC East will be a tough(er) battle for years to come.

Steelers: Mike Adams (OT), David DeCastro (OG)

At one point, Adams was a popular pick for the Giants among mock drafters.  His stock fell towards the draft, and the Giants passed on the massive tackle in the first.  Along with David DeCastro, it would be interesting to see how Ben Roethlisberger’s new protectors fare early in their careers against the Giants’ pass rushers.  It will take multiple injuries for both to see the field, but it could happen.

Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick (CB), Mohamed Sanu (WR), Devon Still (DT)

The Bengals had a phenomenal draft, and these three could all make an impact in their rookie season. Kirkpatrick may not be an elite corner, but he should develop into a solid starter at the very least. Sanu and Still were two guys I would have been happy to see the Giants select at pick #63 had Rueben Randle not been there.

Packers: Nick Perry (LB)

The Packers have had some very good linebackers over the past few years, and Perry could bolster a group that already includes Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop. We’ll see how much he helps their dreadful defense.

Saints: Akiem Hicks (DT)

Really, though, the answer is “none.”  The Saints didn’t have a first or second round pick, and they reached for the intriguing Canadian-school prospect Hicks in the third. We probably won’t see him much this season.

Falcons: Peter Konz (C)

I just love watching good centers play a tough brand of football. I also love fixing up my Jeep while chewing on a slab of steak, extra bloody. Well, maybe not, but Konz is easily the best player in Atlanta’s draft class that does not contain a first rounder.

Ravens: Bernard Pierce (RB)

Pierce was fantastic in college and was someone I would have liked to see the Giants target had they not taken David Wilson.  He and Ray Rice could form a great backfield duo.

The team parted ways with safety Chad Jones, who suffered a setback in his quest to return to action. Jones failed a physical and his doctors cited major concerns in regards to the actual progress his badly damaged lower leg had been making. (READ) 

Another player’s comeback bid is going much better. CB Terrell Thomas says his rehab from ACL surgery is ahead of schedule and he plans to resume his Giants career in a starting CB role this season.

“I am. I don’t care what they say,” Thomas told Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News at a charity event yesterday. “There’s no disrespect for any of the guys in the locker room. It’s just my mentality. As a rookie I said I was going to be a starter. I just worked my butt off and finally became one. Especially at the corner position you’ve got to be confident in that manner in my opinion. I can’t be sitting here saying, ‘Well, we’ll see.’”

Head coach Tom Coughlin will be recognized by the US Army for his efforts assisting veterans and servicemen. From Mike Garafolo:

“On May 23, Coughlin will be one of five recipients of the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, the third-highest public service honor the U.S. Army can bestow upon a civilian. The award will be presented to Coughlin by Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the current Chief of Staff of the Army, a Dover native, an avid Giants fan and a close friend of Coughlin, at Quarters One (the home of the Army Chief of Staff) in Arlington, Va.” (READ) 

DT Chris Canty told Ralph Vacchiano yesterday that he is recovering well from off-season surgery and should be ready for training camp.

“Obviously there’s a lot of work between now and then for me to be ready to get me to that point,” Canty said. “But the doctors feel good about the progress and they’re confident that I’ll be ready.”

The Giants are prepared if he doesn’t. They have last year’s second-round pick Marvin Austin coming back after missing a year due a torn pec, who aims to challenge Canty. Don’t forget, they drafted DT Markus Kuhn in the seventh round this year and signed veteran DT Shaun Rogers last month.

The Giants announced the signings of LB Jake Muasau, WR Brandon Collins and safety Will Hill, who will assume Chad Jones’ spot on the roster. Hill, a West Orange native, began his college career at Florida with high hopes only to fall victim to his fame.

At Florida, Hill was reportedly exhibited some unseemly behavior off the field, documented by his graphic and unfiltered Twitter account. It was enough to draw sanctions from Gator coach Urban Meyer and prevent Hill from being selected in last year’s NFL Draft. The Giants are the first team to take a flier on the talented safety, who was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school.

“When I was in college, I was the No. 1 athlete coming out and then going straight to a team that won the national championship, that had the possibility to win another one, it was just rock star status basically,” Hill said last weekend at rookie camp as per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York. “My head got big and I did let my gifts get away and start acting like a fool, basically. So I did waste my talent in some aspects.” 

“It’s been a hard time, many nights crying, many night just wondering, ‘When is this going to happen?’ But people were like, ‘Look, you’re a good athlete. Just work on being a better person.’ And that’s something I needed to do. I needed to calm down and sit down, and that’s what I did.” 

Sandwich Chain Teams Up with BATTLESHIP Director Peter Berg, New York Football Champion Justin Tuck, and U.S. Army Col. Gregory D. Gadson to Host Wounded Warrior Project™ Alumni

WHAT: WWP Alumni will join Tuck, Berg and Gadson for an exclusive screening of Universal Pictures’ BATTLESHIP, hosted by SUBWAY® Restaurants. The epic-scale action-adventure arrives in theaters May 18th.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 15th – Photos and interviews begin at 7:00 pm ET

WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – Pier 86 / 46th Street & Twelfth Avenue

Soon to be the home of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum complex includes the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier ‘Intrepid’ with seven full decks and four theme halls; the guided missile submarine Growler; and an extensive collection of over 27 aircraft including the A-12 Blackbird, the fastest plane in the world, and the British Airways Concorde, the fastest commercial aircraft in the world.