By Matt Cowen ’13, Staff Writer

The New York Giants recent win in the Super Bowl was a testament to their resiliency and fortitude, which is something that we can all learn from. The Giants, at one point 7-7 after a disappointing home loss to the Washington Redskins in mid-December, reeled off six straight victories to end the season and claim the Lombardi Trophy, football’s greatest prize. Sitting at 7-7, prior to their game against the New York Jets several players adopted the moniker “All In” to describe the team. The players rallied around this phrase, and the results began to manifest themselves.

Much of the credit for the incredible run the Giants put together must go to head coach Tom Coughlin. Subjected to constant job scrutiny throughout the season, Coughlin never wavered from his core beliefs of teamwork and a belief in each other. Coughlin likely would have been fired had the Giants missed the playoffs; instead, he became the thirteenth coach to win multiple Super Bowls.

Coughlin relied on the stellar play of quarterback Eli Manning to lead his team. Manning developed over the course of the season from a shy, average NFL quarterback, into a confident leader. At the beginning of the season, Eli asserted that he was “an elite quarterback.” When asked if he belonged in the same class as legendary Patriots QB Tom Brady, Manning responded with a definitive, “Yes”. He would prove time and again over the course of the season his elite status. Manning orchestrated six fourth quarter comebacks during the regular season, and made numerous huge plays for the Giants in the playoffs. He had truly become elite.

The 2011 New York Giants set an example of acting with courage, while defying the odds. Many outside of the organization did not give the team a chance during the season. Yet, the Giants never relinquished hope. Instead of publicly declaring themselves the team to beat, as did the Giants crosstown rivals the Jets, Big Blue downplayed any hype. As Coach Coughlin put it, they just wanted to “get back to playing Giants football.” The example that can be taken from this season lies in the team’s belief in itself. By going ‘All In’, the Giants went from playoff outsider to Super Bowl champs. By wholly committing themselves to a singular goal, the Giants emerged as champions.