New Jersey native David Tyree was a three-year letterman on the gridiron at Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey. The talented receiver was selected a Blue Chip Illustrated All-American his senior season.
Signing with Syracuse University, he amassed over 1,200 yards during his career, ranking in the top 15 on the school’s all-time list. For all of his exploits a wide out, Tyree was best known for his outstanding special teams play throughout his career. Selected in the sixth round of a 2003 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, he again made his mark on special teams, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2005 and a first team All Pro honor the same season.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Tyree is best known for his heroics in Super Bowl XLII. After a five-yard touchdown reception from Eli Manning early in the game (his first score of the season), he made his mark in NFL history late in the fourth quarter. On a 3rd and 5 with just over a minute remaining and the Giants down 14-10, Manning scrambled to throw the ball 30 yards downfield to Tyree who, fully extended in the air, caught the ball by pinning it with his right hand to his helmet, completing one of the most incredible catches in Super Bowl history.
The Giants finished the drive with a score and won the game, beating the previously unbeaten Patriots. The “Helmet Catch” was selected by Sportscenter as the greatest play in Super Bowl history and eventually won the 2008 ESPY Award for Play of the Year.
After five years in New York, Tyree signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009 and subsequently retired a Giant, signing a one day contract with Big Blue on July 29th 2010.
In this exclusive interview, The Super Bowl hero talks about is favorite rookie cards, memorable fan reactions to his iconic catch and collecting cards with his dad.
