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Fan Questions
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Amani's Answers
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My name is M and I’m 9 years old and a big Giants fan especially of you. Which team do you hate the most when you play them? I hate Dallas. M
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Amani: I don’t think there is any team that I hate. There are teams that you have good competitions against, teams that you know you are going to have to play hard against. I think every team in our division is like that, the Redskins, Dallas and maybe most of all the Eagles.
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Do you go to the Super Bowl even when the Giants aren’t in it? K. P. K.
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Amani: For the last few years I have. It’s a chance to meet people and we’ve also met with family friends at each Super Bowl. Next year will be the key because we don’t know any people in Jacksonville.
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I have a rookie card of you (Amani "The Well Dressed" Toomer) and cherish it greatly, I would love to have it autographed by you, since you are my favorite player, and all time Giant. If I was to mail it, would it be signed, because I don't want to send it, and never have it sent back, so what would I need to do in order to have an autograph by Amani Toomer on a rookie card of him.
P.S. I know how much you hate people who get your autograph than sell it, but I'm only 14 years young, and would not even think of selling something that I cherish greatly. C.
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Amani: I hope you understand that I can’t give my address out and, if you sent it to the stadium, I can’t guarantee I would receive it. There’s so much stuff that comes to Giants’ Stadium that I’m afraid I wouldn’t get it. If you live in the New York area, I think the best thing to do would be to come to one of the appearances listed on my web site. I’d like to meet you and would be more than happy to sign your rookie card.
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Hey Amani, I was wondering since our punt return game has been lacking in recent years, especially this last year when it was dreadful, and since you were so great as a returner in your early years with the Giants, can we expect to see you returning punts again any time soon? Our return units could sure use a shot in the arm, and who better to provide it than one of the best, most dynamic athletes in the NFL and the greatest in Giants history? In fact I'd even like to see you get a shot at kickoff returns I've grown so desperate with the state of our return game.
So if the new coaching staff approached you about a move back to returning kicks, would you be receptive and willing to make the move? One last point, I am a huge fan of yours and still marvel every time I see you make a great long catch or touchdown that we were able to get you in the second round like we did - I'd be willing to use a second overall pick on a receiver of your caliber, let alone a second round one! Keep up the great production and I hope you can get yet another thousand yard season in '04, this time punctuated by a long overdue trip to Hawaii - and I don't mean as part of one of your personal vacations! They can't keep you out of the pro bowl forever! - R.T.
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Amani: Yes, I’d be open to anything. If the coaches want me to do it, I’ll do it. I don’t have any reservations and, in fact, would enjoy it. I do want to say that the guys we have back there will do just fine once we get the blocking schemes together.
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Hey Amani,
Do you have any motivational books that you would recommend that maybe have helped you to maintain a high sense of purpose and focus when things arent going your way either on the football field or just in life in general? I've always admired the intensity that you bring to every game in which you play, regardless of what your record is or what odds may be stacked against you. I think you epitomize that saying "When the goin gets tough the tough get goin," and I was just wondering what's your secret!
Hope you're enjoying the off-season! I really can't wait for next season to start (even this one technically hasn't even ended yet w/ the Super Bowl on Sunday!) Weekends since December 28th have definately sucked! No Giants football=a big void! Stay healthy, positive and strong...we're behind you and your teammates 150%, and are really excited about all the changes being made to improve the ballclub. Next year at this time we're all gonna be in Jacksonville!!!
Best always! L
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Amani: Yes, I read one book by Dr. Spencer Johnson, an MD. He’s actually written two books. The first book is called, “Who Moved my Cheese?” He has a second book out that I’m about to start.
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Hi Amani, I am a new Giants fan as of last year! I wanted to wish you Happy Hollidays and I know next year I plan to attend a game, being from Chicago it may be difficult, but I plan on being there! Take care and be safe!
K. D
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Amani: I'm glad to hear from a new Giants' fan, K.D. If you do get to a game next year, we'll do our best to give you something to cheer about. I know you must have been disappointed in the season, as we were, but the Giants will be back next year, stronger and better. Happy Holidays to you.
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Hi Amani, sorry about the way the season has gone so far. It’s been rough for you and the team, but trust me, as a true blue fan, it’s been rough for me too. I’m just writing you for a few reasons, first of all there have been some comments from the players about the fans and I want to let you know that as a big Giant fan I think many of us agree with some of the comments you, Strahan and Shockey have made at times. Not everyone looks at it from the player’s perspective sometimes. I know you are all professionals but its tough on the players also and in my opinion the crowd can help get you fired up. I always cheer you guys on no matter what the record, game, opponent or score involved. I know you guys have the ability to explode offensively of defensively at any time. Anyway, I know it’s a tough season, and I really felt it was great to see how you guys did not give up on yourselves last season when you lost to the Texans only to get hot after everyone had written you off and you soared all the way to the playoffs. I know you guys won’t give up on yourselves either this year, even though mathematically it may not be possible to make the playoffs you all seem to have the character that makes a winner. As long as guys like you show up and play hard I’ll always be watching the games for the remainder of the season whether you’re 8-4 or 4-8. I’m looking forward to some big plays from you, and by the way, nice 77 yard TD grab and good luck the rest of the way, I hope you guys finish strong, I’ll be wearing my #81 Toomer jersey each week rooting you guys on no matter what! Oh, and since I am supposed to ask a question, just curious, if you could play any other position on the field other than wide receiver, what would it be? Take care and I’m glad to have a player with your skill and character on the NY Giants. R.S.
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Amani: Thank you for your support. The support of the fans is very important to me. To answer your question, I think I’d probably want to be a quarterback. I think it would be fun to have the ball in your hands a lot, making decisions and being the focal point of the offense.
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hey amnai, i’m a huge fan both of you and your alma mater de la sale. As far as I’m concerned you went to the best programs in the world, from de la sale to Michigan. Huge fan of both those man. How do you think if any did de la salle help you build a foundation to reach the height of success that you have reached, and what values and dedications did the school “imprint” on you?
Good luck with the rest of the 03 season. H.R.
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Amani: Mostly it imprinted on me the work ethic. You always have to do the work and put in extra time. I would say that’s the biggest thing I took out of those programs.
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DEAR MR. TOOMER,
I WANTED TO ASK YOU DID YOU ALWAYS PLAY WIDE RECIEVER EVEN WHEN YOU WERE 10?
P.S. I PLAY WIDE RECIEVER IN MY POP WARNER LEAGUE.
SINCERELY,
B.F.
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Amani: No, I played right guard and in high school I played tight end and outside linebacker for a couple of years.
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I was told that in your beginning year as a new york giant you were wearing the number 89. Is this true? I, at the time, wasn't such a good fan of you as i am now. Also, I'm a very big michigan fan, and I've been trying to acquire a #18 jersey. I can't seem to find anywhere to purchase one. If you have any knowledge of where I can find one, I'll be wearing it to the next giants home game. Thank you for your help.....
JR
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Amani: Yes, I wore #89 my first two years as a New York Giant. After Thomas Lewis left the team, I acquired his number 81. I wore #18 at De La Salle and at Michigan but, of course, couldn’t wear that number in the NFL. Reversing the numbers was as close as I could get.
I’m not sure if you mean you want a #18 Michigan or NFL jersey. If you want a Michigan jersey, check out Michigan’s on-line web site, as I believe they have a store on-line.
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Amani...I have been a Giant fan, albeit from afar, since 1961. It disturbs me very much to hear you make comments about Giants' fans like you did recently. I realize a lot of it might be frustration but I also believe that you and your teammates are the biggest bunch of underachievers I have seen in a long time. It's too bad you chose to take your frustrations out on Giants' fans. Do you think it would be any different if you played in Washington or Philly or Detroit? At least the fans in NY care and care enough not to put up with losers. Ask Bill Parcells if Giants' fans were not a 12th man when he coached here...both with the Jets and Giants. Giants' Stadium was the toughest place to play during those days. You guys have made it home cooking for the visiting club. The bottom line, Amani, is this...you're not paid multi-million dollars a year to drop passes or go offsides or whine in the papers. Shut up and play.
MN
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Amani: I hope you’ll read my on-line interview dated 12/1/03 because in that interview I say that what was reported was not an accurate reflection of what I actually said. All I said is that when you are losing the fans will let you know and that NY is a tough place to play when you aren’t winning.
I NEVER said that the fans were not good fans! On the contrary, I have often said, and it has been reported in the press many times, that I think the Giants’ fans are great fans. They are knowledgeable about the game and they show up and support the team.
I just don’t understand how what I said ended up in the newspapers as it did and want to reiterate that I respect the Giants’ fans and think they are terrific fans.
As to our underachieving this year, that would be hard to argue. I know the fans had high expectations for the team this season and I don’t blame them for being unhappy with how it has gone. However, the players’ expectations were at least as high. I don’t think there is anyone associated with the organization who isn’t bitterly disappointed.
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I have to chuckle every time I see you, because it's so funny to know that your father was the Big Bad "Mr. Toomer" when I was in Pelton Jr. High School in SF. He was known for the man with the Paddle...back then kids got paddled if they got into big trouble.
I 'm sure he's very proud of you.
Keep up the good work, and always remember there are a lot of young African American men from the Bay Area that look up to you. It is proof that you can accomplish your goals if you work hard.
As a single parent of a teenage son, I have always tried to instill that belief and confidence in him.
Peace be with you.
LB
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Amani: I got a chuckle too from your e-mail and will pass it on to my father,
“Big Bad Mr. Toomer”. Thanks for writing.
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I went to Michigan, too. Do you ever return for alumni events and, if so, would you please post your appearance on your web site in advance? I would like to attend and shake your hand.
M.G.
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Amani: I haven’t been back because I’ve been so busy but, in the future, I do plan to attend events. I’m a member of the Alumni Association and the Victors’ Club. The Victors’ Club is the athlete’s club. I’ll definitely let you know via my web site when I will be there.
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What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Will you and your wife cook a big turkey dinner? L.S.
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Amani: Yes, we did. We had a big family dinner and it really was a good time.
I should clarify that I didn’t cook, my wife did all the work and I carved the turkey. Since Yola worked in the kitchen all day, we gave her a break and everyone helped with the cleanup.
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When you finish playing football, do you plan to stay in New York or will you return to your native California? J.W.
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Amani: I have no idea where I’ll be. Hopefully, I’ll have a few years to figure that out. Right now, we’re in New York and we’re happy so I have no plans to go anywhere for a while.
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I have read some of your travel articles and enjoyed them enormously. Are there any places that you and your wife still want to go to? L.S.
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Amani: I want to go to Asia. My wife and I really want to go to the Philippines, China, Australia and New Zealand. We like to go to some of the more out-of-the-way places. We’re not big fans of the places where there is a real big tourist market. We like the spots that are a little more special and private. We’re looking for something natural and the chance to be involved in the native environment.
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Are any of the Jets players friends of yours? Do you see them a lot at Giants Stadium? E.B.
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Amani: I know all the Jets players and respect them but the only good friend I have on the team is Sam Garnes. That friendship began when he was with the Giants. I don’t see much of the Jets at Giants Stadium because they practice at Hofstra College, on Long Island.
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How do you and your wife like to spend your spare time? O.L.
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Amani: During the season we’re usually pretty busy so there isn’t much spare time. After the season, we usually try to do a lot of traveling because we both really enjoy that. We both do a little Kung Fu. Mostly, we like to do a lot of traveling.
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Do you follow any particular diet during the NFL season? K.A.
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AMANI: No, not really. I just watch what I eat as a general thing but I’m not as strict as I should be, actually. I do try not to eat more than I need and I also try to eat early. I try not to eat after a certain time to make sure I digest my food.
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What is your schedule on Saturday and Sunday during the season and how does it differ for away games? J.B.
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AMANI: It doesn’t really differ that much. The only difference is that on Saturdays when there’s a home game, we get a chance to go home and rest before going to the hotel and checking in. On the Saturdays when we’ll be away, we have to get to the plane sometime Saturday morning. Minnesota, our next game, is only a couple of hours away. |
I sent a few questions about the jersey before, but you still haven't opened up a store. Anyways, congratulations on your season so far, I hope you guys defienetely keep it up and beat Miami this week. As always, you are on my fantasy team and are my number 1 Wide Receiver. But I heard you got hurt a little last week during practice. I hope you're okay now. Anyways, I read your previous question and it said that you always wanted to be a pro football player, or a lawyer. That's funny because I want to become an NFL player and everyone in my family says I should be a lawyer. There's only one problem with the football player. My high school doesn't have a team, what should I do? One more problem is I am about 5 feet, maybe 2 or 3 inches tall, 108 pounds, and quite small. I do not look 14, I look like I'm 10 or something. What position should I play, should I even think about playing? Were you small at my age? When is your birthday Amani? I turn 14 on this coming Monday, October 6'th. I hope my presents all have something to do with football and hopefully you. Anyways, I hope to hear from you soon, unlike my last question whcih i think was never answered. Nz
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Amani: First, let me say I'm sorry I didn't answer your last question. In late August, I discovered that my server had lost some or all of the e-mails directed to me between February and August and it sounds like your e-mail was one of those.
We haven't opened a store but if you check my web site, it will direct you to some sources for jerseys. Good luck.
Since your school doesn't have a football team check out local boy's clubs. Maybe there is something in your community that offers football for teens. If you are a good runner, maybe you could play running back or wide receiver. I was relatively tall at your age but don't worry about your height because lots of kids suddenly shoot up in their late teens.
Are you a good student, with a good memory? The law is a good profession, too. Remember, the average playing time in the NFL is just a little over three years and then players have to find another direction for their lives.
I'm fine and but unhappy that we didn't beat Miami! Thanks for making me your # 1 receiver.
My birthday is in September. Your e-mail didn't reach me till after Oct. 6th but I want to wish you a belated happy birthday, Nz!
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| I am a huge New York Giants Fan and Michigan Fan (even though I did not go to the school). Growing up, which athlete did you aspire to be like and why? Also, did you always want to be a professional football player growing up? Thank you and good luck this season. J.M. |
Amani: I always watched Michael Jordan, not so much for the way he played but for the way he carried himself.
Yes, I always did want to play in the NFL. The only other thing I ever really considered was maybe becoming a lawyer.
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