New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen shared an interesting source of inspiration for the 2025 season.
His son's tee-ball team.
The Giants have launched a new motivating force to create takeaways in 2025: the turnover chest. It was on full display during Thursday's OTA practice; players would deposit footballs that were stolen by a fumble recovery or interception into the chest for what became the football equivalent of a pirate's bounty.
So, where did the idea come from?
"So my son, it's his first year of tee ball and he's on the Pirates," Bowen said. "So we – again, the main thing is emphasizing takeaways. We got to get better at takeaways. Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right? You'll hear our guys say it. I say it ad nauseum: 'Be a damn pirate.' We've got to find ways to get the ball. And, again, you get what you emphasize. We're making it a priority this year to make sure we find ways to get the ball."
The story behind the turnover chest 👀 pic.twitter.com/WVxyHr1Zdi
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 5, 2025
So, the New York Pirates? Sort of like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but different?
READ: Jaxson Dart already breaking the mold for New York Giants' first-round QBs
In all seriousness, whatever it takes to continue elevating the Giants' defense is all good by the fan base. And if becoming pirates and 'arrgh-ing' their way to more sacks, fumbles, and interceptions becomes a real thing in 2025? Again, all good.
Forcing turnovers will be especially important early in the season as New York works its way through the expected ups and downs of an offense with a new quarterback. In fact, there might be a few points in 2025 when there's a new QB. Russell Wilson will begin the year as the starter, but Jaxson Dart will take over at some point.
A defense that creates turnovers is a young offense's best friend, regardless whether it's a bunch of Giants or... pirates.
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