The Giants in past years knew all-too-well what life was like with a shaky special teams kicking operation, low-lighted by suspect long-snapping. That hasn’t ben the case since Zak DeOssie arrived in 2007.
Now it appears DeOssie will be around a while longer. He recently signed a three-year contact extension worth $3.45 million that keeps him under contract through the 2015 season.
DeOssie was drafted out of Brown in the fourth round in 2007 as a linebacker in addition to his long-snapper duties. But, after never playing on defense, the linebacker designation was removed from his job description in 2010. He’s strictly a long snapper, working on punts and field goals, and has provided the Giants with steady play. He’s also quick enough to get downfield to help in coverage and last season served as the special teams captain.
A popular personality in the locker room, DeOssie, who turns 28 next month, is one of two former Ivy League players on the roster. Guard Kevin Boothe of Cornell is the other.