Vernon Thomas used to curiously watch football with his beloved grandfather. It was difficult for him to grasp the reasons why men were running around and tackling each other. His grandfather would teach the basic concepts of America’s most complicated sport.
Football was always Thomas’ number one sport from then on. GameCube became an influence along with the defunct Backyard Sports. Using Michael Vick in Madden NFL 2004 further solidified an everlasting enthusiasm.
An astounding 2008 playoff run by the New York Giants is still difficult to fathom. Thomas benefitted from season tickets during that 2007 regular season. Being present on Sundays helped with get a firmer grasp of specific rules of the game.
Super Bowl XLII has vivid images for so many. Before the game, Thomas had to ask himself if his Giants were built for the moment. The defensive line indirectly responded to this question when they sacked Tom Brady five times. Other images also come to mind. David Tyree and the helmet catch. Eli to Plaxico. Jay Alfred getting a late sack. As the Patriots were in desperation, Alfred’s sack gets pushed back in the shuffle of highlights. Thomas remembers because he’s adept at detailing moments from years back. Descriptions are not limited to actual play but also salary caps or the impact of injuries.
The Giants play in a big market. “People may not look at us as a sports town,” said Thomas. “With all the attractions, Times Square and the New York Stock Exchange. This is New York. You gotta either put up or shut up.” But Big Blue has been heading in the wrong direction. They’re tied with the New York Jets for the worst record in the last six seasons and 2021 was a misadventure. But 2022 features a new general manager and a new head coach. Thomas is impatiently waiting for this regime to bring them back to relevancy.
When it comes to trash-talking, Giants fans can compete with almost anyone. “It’s wonderful to interact with another Giants fan,” said Thomas. “We’re proud of the Super Bowl success and the Hall of Fame players. We also clown the Jets and say that Jets stands for ‘Just end the season.’”
Thomas cherishes the days of riding to Giants Stadium with his grandfather. He promised to attend school the next day if kickoff time was in the late afternoon or at night. Being tired from the following day was always worth it. “Driving to Giants Stadium was just a fun atmosphere. We’d always park in the lot away from the stadium then we’d take a bus with other Giants fans.” As far as the game went, Thomas would follow the routine of watching the first half and then ordering nachos during halftime. A guilty feeling would creep in if he had missed Sunday service because his grandmother prioritized faith over entertainment. There’s still no comparable process to watching football at 1 p.m. Eastern.
For Thomas, affection for sports is a common thread. He doesn’t judge opposing fans and their antics as harshly as others do. People get wrapped up in the thrill of competition and go too far, especially verbally. Imagine being a boy at a game and hearing your grandfather occasionally blurt profanities. “As a young fan you’re not gonna understand why people are using foul language,” Thomas said. He explained that some people are just born into certain sports cultures. Maybe they were dressed in pajamas as an infant and a legacy was passed down from their parents. Thomas’ grandfather just wanted his grandson to get a feel for the game. Cheering for a particular team wasn’t a rigid rule. The outcome of those adolescent experiences was an attachment to the Giants.
“Sports have become that connection with others,” said Thomas. “Doesn’t matter your race or background. Sports are for everybody and sports have taught me to be a team player.” Such lessons apply to dealing with difficult people at your job or not wanting to complete a certain task that your employer assigned. Putting the ego aside to complete a goal that is supposed to help others. Thomas’ attitude in terms of socializing and easing the burden on others was shaped by the sports world and the Giants.
