Vernon’s alley
Olivier Vernon hasn’t been able to make it to the Giants’ offseason training program yet. But he did travel from Florida to make an appearance Tuesday night at the third annual David Tyree Charity Bowl at Lucky Strikes Bowling in Manhattan.
The defensive end and Odell Beckham Jr. have been the most notable absentees from the voluntary workouts. But Vernon said he didn’t expect any backlash from his teammates for staying in South Florida while the majority of them are at the training facility in East Rutherford.
“I just know when I get back with my teammates they’re going to be all right,” Vernon said. “I know those guys are working hard right now and so am I.”
Vernon is entering his second season with the Giants after signing a five-year $85 million deal, with $52.2 million of it guaranteed, as a free agent last year. A thirdround pick of the Dolphins out of the University of Miami, Vernon last season started all 16 games and collected 8.5 sacks, the secondhighest total of his career, behind 11.5 in 2013. He played through nagging injuries and was selected to the Pro Bowl and named first-team All –Pro.
Apparently, the weather in the New York area has been the biggest turnoff to attending OTAs for Vernon, who complained to teammate Jay Bromley about the rain and the cold.
“I’ve been working out enjoying that warm weather,” Vernon said.
The damp New York weather wasn’t enough to keep him from attending Tyree’s event. Tyree currently is the director of player development for the Giants, but is best remembered for the miracle catch he made to help win Super Bowl XLII and ruin the Patriots’ chance for an unbeaten 2007 season.
“Every time you’ve got somebody throwing an event, especially alumni, you’ve always got to be there and support,” Vernon said.
The event was held to raise funds to support Chil- dren of the City, a program that benefits disadvantaged youth in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
“I’ve been on the board for over 10 years,” Tyree said. “It’s an intense, community-driven organization and I just want to continue to raise awareness and do my part.”
The Giants will celebrate the 10th anniversary of that Super Bowl team this season.
“We’re all kind of nostalgic thinking about how it’s been 10 years and coming to terms with what we accomplished as young men living out their dreams in a locker room,” Tyree said. “It’s so sobering and amazing.”
Tyree helps Giants like Vernon take advantage of their resources and optimize their opportunities on and off the field. Among the players he works with is Roger Lewis, who was arrested Monday in Ohio for operating a vehicle while impaired. Lewis is scheduled to make a court appearance on Wednesday.
“He’s got a lawyer and he’s got things that have to be worked out,” Tyree said. “The story I heard wasn’t quite as reported, so we’ll see.”