Fan Questions/Answers
Fan Questions and Answers


Fan Questions
Amani's Answers
I've been reading up on the internship program, and I also saw your answer to a previous e-mail that you were interested in joining it, well, if you change your mind and decide to do insurance, please let me know!  You are without a doubt one of the classiest players in the NFL, and for you to be as good as you are, hold as many team records as you do, and not take on a TO ego I think is commendable. with that said, I'm curious, is there a moment you can remember really losing your cool?  One other question, in your career, what stands out the most to you? whether it be a something that happened to  you or a moment you witnessed.  Best of luck next year to you and your teammates, have a great offseason. H. Amani: Thanks for your kind words and if I ever decide to go into insurance, you’ll be the first to know.

I like to think I have matured and mellowed a little but you should have seen me as a kid! I was always losing my cool.

I would have to say what stands out to me the most was the feeling we had when we won the Conference Championship and knew we were going to the Super Bowl.
AMANI, JUST WANTED TO DROP A LINE TO THANK YOU FOR THE GIANT'S YEAR IN FOOTBALL. I FIND YOUR CHARACTER AND STYLE TO BE INSPIRING. I GENERALLY DON'T HAVE MUCH LOVE FOR PRO FOOTBALL PLAYERS (EXCEPT GIANTS) BECAUSE OF THEIR ARROGANT AND SELF-CENTERED ATTITUDE. I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT PLAYERS WITH GENUINE CHARACTER. I BELEAVE YOUR'S WAS FORGED FROM UPSETS AND DOWNFALLS. I CAN RELATE TO THAT ALTHOUGH ON A SMALLER SCALE. ANYWAY HOPE
ALL IS WELL GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR.
COAST GUARD GIANT FAN
Amani: Thanks very much for your e-mail. I’m a fan of the Coast Guard so it’s really special to hear from you.

I think most of the credit for who I am and how I behave has to go to my parents. I was always good at sports, even as a little kid, but my parents never let me get too impressed with myself.

Keep up your great work!
to my favorite WR, Amani Toomer -
Dude good luck on the off-season, I love the NY Giants though I live in Indiana, I am still feeling the lost to SF, so I know you guys are, I really feel you guys will be back to the Superbowl next year, I feel you guys should have made it this season too, you played really good this year, to many people counted you guys out and I was seeing it that way, I am all ready geared up for next season man, tell the team that you guys have many fans outside of the NY Metro area, and I must say that I am one of the biggest Giant Fans, I hope everyone including Ike will be back to play for the G, I just wanted to give you a shout and to let you know you guys are not alone in the light of wanting the Giants to win the big one in 2000,
Go Big Blue! - (guy) peace out. A.
Amani: Thanks, it’s nice to know there is someone rooting for us in Indiana. Like you I’m ready for next season now and think we have a good chance to go to the Super Bowl. A lot of our young players should just keep improving and I don’t think I’m over the hill yet either.
Amani, I just wanted to congratulate you on a great season, I definitely feel that you are one of the best ten receivers in the game now. I also wanted to let you know that I'm a huge Michigan fan, I actually have an "M" tatooed on my arm. This past offseason, I traveled from Connecticut to Indiana on vacation and had my picture taken with Sam Sword at the Colts training camp. I'll be back in Indiana on February 12th for their home game against Michigan. Be looking for the guy with the #18 jersey among a sea of red. Best wishes for the future! Sincerely, (Giant and Wolverine Fan) WL
Amani: Thanks, I’m glad you think I belong in such exalted company since there are some really excellent wide receivers playing now.
You didn’t say but I’m guessing you went to Michigan, also. Were we there at about the same time?
Hi Amani,
I've been a Giants fan for 30yrs. Your play this year was the best I've seen in any WR in football period. You should've made the pro bowl hands down no one in the league was better then you. Do you think Ike will be resigned I think the giants should? What do you think of Tim Carter and his ability for this up coming season? How long did it take for you to get over the 49ers game? Did you feel like crying, because all of us Giant fans where I watch the games felt like crying. Just wanted to know if the off season conditioning program starts the end of March, when do you start working out. Do you start on your own before you report? Good luck this season your the best.
Thanks, D Q.
Amani, D.Q. Thanks for your e-mail and kind words. I don’t know the status of Ike’s contract talks but I would like to see him come back and Coach Fassel recently said he wants him back. Ike and I are friends and I think we work well together.

I think Tim has a great deal of ability and it looks like he’s coming along great. I saw him recently at a charity event and he said he is ahead of schedule with his rehabilitation. It looks now like he’ll be ready to go by training camp.

I think everyone on the team felt like crying after the 49ers game so you weren’t alone.

Regarding working out, that’s something I do all year long. During the off-season, I have a little more time to practice my martial arts which I enjoy. During the season, it’s tough to get that in twice a week but now I’m trying to practice three times a week.
Wassup Amani, i am a student at De La Salle right now, a Senior, and i just wanted to give you props on what you have done and it feels good to know u use to go to DLS, knowing i am a student. I was at the niner game a few weeks back, sorry about the loss. peace! LV Amani: Hey, L.V. it’s great to hear from someone at De La Salle. Maybe after you graduate, you’ll end up at Michigan, too.
hi toomer, i just wanted to tell u, u are my hero, u shouldn't have lost. I
am a hardcore giants fan. Good luck next year. Oh yeah, i have a nickname
for shocky, its cocky shocky. J
Amani: Thanks. I’ll tell Shockey your nickname for him because I think he’ll enjoy it.

Hang in there, I think Giants’ fans have a good season to look forward to.
dear toomer,
thank you for being so kind to my husband and i at the concert, your wife is lovely and i appologize for not knowing who you were, and too say that i was a big giants fan and not know that you and my husband john fugate, ssgt in the marine corps were caring on a conversation about things. thank you for the autograph for my brother, my dad would have been proud to know that i met you and you were so nice to talk with.

Stay strong and stay health, superbowl next year baby, all the way, my dad is up in heaven pulling some strings for you guys so keep it together. enjoy the super bowl and thanks again for being you!!!

ps they need to update your picture on the web........
san diego, super bowl exp. h&j-f
Amani: It’s nice to “talk” with you again. You shouldn’t feel badly about not recognizing me. You’re used to seeing the Giants with helmets, pads, etc. on and we look a little different without all that stuff.

I think we have a good chance at the Super Bowl next year too, especially with your Dad’s help up there.

My mother keeps telling me I need to update the pictures also but I keep forgetting to see if the Giants have any headshots that are current.

Don’t worry though, she’ll keep after me till I get it done.
hey,amani.I'm from the fiji Islands and we have been having debates here at home that you have a fijian name and that either your mum or dad may be of fijian descent.Please could you put this matter at rest.Thank you.Oh and great season ,good luck next year.

Amani: My name is actually Amani Askari Toomer and my first two names are from Swahili. Amani means Peace and Askari is Warrior so I guess I’m a peaceful warrior. Maybe that’s why I went into football. My folks are African Americans and we don’t have any Fijian ancestors as far as I know.
hey there again,
sorry to be skeptical, but is this really the Amani Toomer I'm talking to? Anyways, I e-maield a while ago and asked if u could get me a jersey, well I finally found one and ordered it. I'll wear it everyday so everyone here in Vancouver will know who u are! Anyways, do u know where I could maybe buy something autogrphed by you? Maybe u could autograph something and send it to me, maybe like my jersey? Do u know where I can get any other Giants fan stuff? Also, did u enjoy the Pro Bowl? Did u get to go to Hawaii and have fun watching your buddy Shockey (at least he didn't hit kids with ice this time!)? hey Amani, what was your favourite subject in school? Anyways, I hope u have fun during the offseason, and get ready to choose what to wear after u win the Superbowl and get selected for the Pro Bowl!! Because it's
gonna happen!
Amani: Sure, it’s really me and I remember your earlier e-mail. I think I told you that we were planning to open a “store” on the web site but, as you have probably seen, we haven’t gotten around to it yet. We haven’t given up on the idea though. When we get that going, we’ll have a way to ship stuff like autographs. Right now, I would be afraid your jersey would get lost somewhere if you sent it so hold off for now. 

Have you tried sports stores for Giants’ fan stuff or to www.giants.com web site store? When the season starts up again, there should be jerseys, caps, etc. in those places.

I didn’t go to Hawaii but hopefully next year I’ll be given a plane ticket.

My favorite subject in school was anything that had something to do with sports. When I wasn’t actually involved in some sport, I was thinking about sports.
Hey Amani,
I think you had an incredible season, although I don't think you had as many opportunities to catch the ball as you should have. But you surely made the best of the chances you were given. And I think that if an @$$ like Terrel Owens can make the pro-bowl than you certianly should have. You, along with Jerry Rice are my idols and I would like to thank you for the inspiration you've given me over the past few seasons. I can't wait till next season and hope to be sporting your jersey on opening day. I don't really want to get into the game in San Fran but that was an awesome day for you until the tragic ending of course, but I know you guys will use the experience as a springboard into next season and I believe the team can take it all the way. The Giants are full of incredible talent, and not just the big 3 (Toomer, Tiki and Shockey) But also Ike, Dayne, Campell, and Dixon among others. Oh and I forgot to mention Collins of course who had an awesome season and really gained my respect and confidence ( I was cursing him last season for all the fumbles). Anyway I could ramble on all day about you, the Giants, and the rollercoaster of emotions I go threw each and everytime I watch you guys play ( I bite my fingernails until they bleed) but don't feel bad I love each and every second of it. I do have one question for you then I'll leave you alone. How tall are you? It doesn't say in you profile.
Thanks Again Amani
Respectfully,E.F.

P.S. Also what size shoe do you wear and hat brand and model.

Amani: Thanks for the complementary comments. By the way I am 6 ' 3" with a shoe size of 13 and a hat size of 7.
amani toomer.... i honestly have to say that u are the best wide-reciver in my eyes...i loved you before you became a known name after hillard was injured...when u stepped up in the games and you became a known name i was proud fan of yours...i always will be....stay with the new York giants...(best team ever and u will go far)
UR #1 FAN, P
Amani: Thanks, P. Like you I believe the Giants will go far-all the way in fact-and I think we will do it next season.

I plan to stay with the Giants as long as they will let me. I may end up as an old man still hanging out with the young players.
I would just like to say You had a great yr! I Know it must have been hard to lose knowing you should have had another chance ( I actually cried, no lie ) but all we can do is wait till next yr. I wish you the best of luck! M
Amani: Well, I may not have cried but I was pretty disappointed, too. Thanks for your good wishes and look for the Giants to be a better team next year. I think we have a lot of talent and a lot we can build on.
Tough game... I hate the niners. Regardless and off the subject... You went to De La Salle in Concord, Cali? What year did you graduate and who was your quarterback while playing there? Also, do you know who quarterbacked the only loss by the Spartans in the 90's? The loss was in 1991. Thanks. K. H. Amani: I went to De La Salle from 1988 to graduating in 1992. The only loss for the Spartans in the 90's was my last game, a season NCS Championship in 1991. The quarterback for that game was A. Abrew.
I just wanted to tell you that you are one of the best wide recievers in the National Football League. I been a huge giants fan for my entire 17 years on this earth. I remember during your Rookie year, you were the punt returner and you were really stuggling. To develop into the player you have become is a real insperation. It's really disappointing that you didn't make the Pro Bowl, I voted for you. I dont know if you watch ESPN or any shows like that but the anaylsts are saying, that you have become one of the best wide receivers in football. So next year i think you will definitly make the Pro Bowl. Well good luck next season that Niner game was real dissappointing but i see Super Bowl next season. J.P.

P.S. I just wanted to ask you a question. You burned the best cornerback (Champ Bailey) during the season. What do you do to those guys like Jason Sehorn, Will Allen, and Will Peterson?
Amani: Thanks for the vote of confidence, J. P. Coach Fassel told me that players often donât get selected for the Pro Bowl until the year after they earn it. So, maybe next year Iâll get a shot at it. Like you, I think the Giants will be an even better team next season and will have a real shot at the Super Bowl.

P.S. I think the Giants' cornerbacks are as good as any cornerbacks in the NFL and I think you'll be seeing them in the Pro Bowl in years to come.
I was just reading your old questions and it said you loved the 49'ers, I bet you really hate them now with that heart-breaking defeat! I was watching the whole time, I really think it was Matt Bryant's fault though. That was awesome, 3 TD's. I picked you always for fantasy football, I'm a big fan! Do you know where I could get a good jersey of you in size youth Large for cheap. I really want one, I'm 13 yrs. old. Anyways, who do you think's going to win the SuperBowl now? I was going to bet on you if you won, but now I don't know who to choose! Sorry about all the questions, please let me know. Thank you, N.
Amani: Thanks for making me one of your fantasy players.
I don't know just off-hand where you can get one of my jerseys but we are planning to open a store on my web site in the near future. Hopefully, you can get one there before long.
As to who is going to win the Super Bowl, I thought we were. Now, I don't know who will win next week, let alone who will win the Super Bowl. 
My condolences to you and all your teammates. That was a rough way for it all to end. Now that the League has admitted the blown call...what do you think you guys are owed, if anything besides the RIGHT call next time? Like how can they make it up? Or is that just part of the game? Also, I guess any time you give up a 24 point run, its hard to blame one guy, but without a doubt, Shaun Williams' back to back bone-head plays really hurt you with a minute left, and probably cost you the seson. What was your reaction to his immaturity? And finally do you think that Coach Fassel will be back next season? Thanks for giving us 150% this year. And good luck in the off-season. You're the man!!! EAM
Amani: The NFL is trying to prevent what happened to us ever happening to another team but there is nothing they can do to give us back that lost opportunity. I guess it is part of the game and as I said before, I thought it was good that the NFL admitted that a mistake had been made.

I don't think you can blame any one player for the loss. Everyone makes mistakes during the course of a game and everyone feels badly about it. I think it would be unfair to blame one player. We're a team and it's a team effort. Whether we win or lose, we do it as a team.

I absolutely believe Coach Fassel will be back next season.
HEY-AMANI,SORRYABOUT-THE-GAME-
Amani: Thanks. Me, too.
You had a great season. I've been a fan for 40 years. You were more consistent than any Giant receiver I have ever seen. Good luck, hope you do it again next year. J.G.
Amani: Thanks for the compliment. The Giants have had a lot of fine receivers so I really appreciate your comments and I can promise that I will try to do it again next year.
Just wanted to convey my congratulations to Amani on an outstanding season for him. It was such a tragic disappointment on the loss to the 49ers but it does not distract from his remarkable season. I grew up on the Giants and will continue to support them. My best wishes to Amani for continued success and also on his recent marriage. God bless. G.L.D.
Amani: Thank you for your comments and good wishes. The loss to the 49ers was disappointing, of course, but as Mr. Mara told us in the locker room after the game, "I can't wait for next season!"
I'm a 49er fan more than anything else and, of course, enjoyed their victory.

On the other hand, it was heartbreaking to see New York lose and particularly after the great game by Amani and others.

Just as impressive was the post-game comments from Amani. He showed tremendous class and poise. I, for one, will forever be his fan and root for him (even against the 49ers).

Good luck next year. Your team should and could have gone all the way. B.
Amani: Thanks, B. I'm always grateful for my fans but to hear words like yours from a 49ers fan, well, that's really special. Next time we're playing out your way, give me a wave from the stands. I'll know it's you because there won't be anyone else waving to me wearing 49er colors.
Okay, so I am probably not the normal fan who writes an e-mail. I am female,over 50 (let's leave it at that), an avid football fan, a Giants season ticket holder for over 30 years. I have few favorites. Phil Simms was one. And Amani Toomer, you are another. From the day they drafted you, I sang your praises. I watched anxiously as Fassel benched you for whatever they say is not running routes correctly, poor work habits. I was having no part of it. I just knew you were one of the most exciting players the Giants ever had as a part of their team. I am in the stands each week, yelling give it to Amani. After one of the team luncheons early on in your joining the Giants, I called out your name as you left the Sheraton and you gave a big smile and wave. Not arrogant. Appreciative of the attention. I liked that.

This year is the first year, I think you got part of your due. You are one of the most dependable wide receivers in the league. Good hands, good routes, effective and classy. All those other guys trash talk more and might be flashier, but my vote would be for you every time.

Sorry about yesterday's game. It was pretty terrible for the avid fans (I am taking more heat from Jets and 49ers fans than I can stand) and I am sure a hundred times worse for you and your team mates. I wish they'd have thrown it to you a few more times in the second half. I always tell everyone, if you want the sure thing, give it to Amani. There are others on your team that may get more ink, but I think you have exhibited incredible talent and you should have been in the Pro Bowl.

Okay, so you are my favorite on the team. I look forward to next season and I am sure you do too. You gave us a lot to cheer about this year. Thanks for giving me and all your fans so much enjoyment. MA.P.

Amani: Thank you, MA. Your comments and the ones from B. above do help to ease the "sting" I did feel badly about not being selected to the Pro Bowl until Coach Fassel talked to me. Later, Mr. Mara told me I was in his Pro Bowl and that helped a lot, also. Your kind words help, also.

I thought you had a great game on Saturday. When you batted the ball away from the defenders, the fans where I was sitting were amazed. Do you think you’ll try to use Dayne more against San Francisco? I saw him almost get into a fight trying to leave the parking lot. Let him know that I had his back! I’m going to e-mail Jeff Garcia and tell him to be scared. M.L.

Amani: Thanks. I can’t really answer your question about Dayne because with our offense, you just don’t know who’s going to be hot on a given day. It may be Dayne or Tiki or Shockey, we all have our turns. It depends on the flow of the game.

Can you explain why Deion couldn’t come back? I don’t understand the rules about coming out of retirement. From what I understand, Oakland was interested in him and Deion was disappointed that it didn’t work out. Why did it matter what other teams were interested in him? Wasn’t it his choice? EAM

Amani: No, it wasn’t his choice because he wasn’t a free agent. He retired from the Redskins while he was still under contract. The Redskins didn’t have a problem with his playing for another team so they released him. Then, he had to clear waivers. There is a certain pecking order to claiming someone off waivers. The team that finished worst the year before would have the first shot at a player on waivers.
Who are your special friends on the team? J. S.
Amani: I get along with all the receivers. I hang out with Jesse Palmer and Delvin Joyce sometimes but I get along with everyone.

Many fans have written asking me to put more pictures my site. Please be patient with me as I am trying to get some new ones.
I thought the article about how Amani should have been selected for the Pro Bowl was terrific and I agreed with every word. B.K.
Amani: Thanks, the support of fans means a great deal to me.
Hey, Amani. Do you know what you want to do after football? I hope it doesn't sound like I'm kicking you out the door! I really do believe the best is yet to come (especially after the Dallas game!)...I'm just curious as to what your interests are for a career in the future! Are you at all involved in that Giants internship program? If so do you think it’s helpful? Thanks & Best wishes, L
Amani: I am planning to get involved in the internship program this year. I’ve been thinking for a couple of years about what I want to do after football. I think the most logical thing would be announcer, color commentator or something like that. Communications was my college major although I haven’t used it in a while. I’m not planning to hang it up for a while though. I want to go to Hawaii first!
Growing up in the Bay area, did you hope to be drafted by the 49ers or the Raiders and were you disappointed when the Giants drafted you? D.L.
Amani: I was a 49er fan growing up so I would have to say I hoped to be drafted by them. When I was growing up, the Raiders were in L.A. so they weren’t a home team to me.

I wasn’t disappointed at all when the Giants drafted me. While I was at Michigan, whenever I met someone from New York, I told them that I really wanted to go to N.Y. and see what it was like. When I was drafted, I was excited about experiencing the New York lifestyle and I really am enjoying it.
I'm 14 years old and am an ok student but I really enjoy sports more. What kind of student were you and did you have any learning disabilities; such as, attention deficit disorder? M.F.
No, I didn't have any learning disabilities. My only disability in school was that I was always thinking about sports. It just comes down to how much you want to do something. Even if you have a disability, if you want a thing badly enough, you'll find a way to achieve your goal. With or without a disability, you can't go into anything halfway. You have to do well in schoolwork or you won't get the chance to show your athletic skills. Schoolwork and study are a very, very important part of athletics. You have to be able to achieve in both areas: in the classroom and in your sport.
Amani, first of all, congratulations on your play so far this season, you seem to be having a great year, despite the team falling to 6-6. I hope the team can get back on track in the last 4 games.

I read somewhere that you took up martial arts a few years ago and it helped you to focus more and improved your football game. Do you feel it has helped you and can it help other football players, and do you still practice martial arts now? Thanks. R.S.
Thank you. I think martial arts is useful for football players because of the discipline it takes and that, of course, has application to football. Focus, concentration are critical in martial arts, football and even everyday life. Yes, I do still practice it. During the season, I don't do it as often as I would like but usually manage to practice at least once a week. During the off-season,I practice two or three times a week.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? B.O.
I guess my ritual is not to have a ritual. I do different things because I try not to be superstitious.
Do you try to remain calm or do you get yourself excited and geeked up before a game? D.H.
I don't get excited, not even during the game. I feel that when I make myself relax and just breathe calmly, that's when I play my best in terms of concentration and focus. I approach it like a practice but with a little more intensity. I think of it as being like a surgeon; I have to be calm and focused.

When you are a rookie, or haven't played long, it's easy to get overexcited but when you've been in the league for awhile, you know what it's like and what you're allowed to do and you become more levelheaded and calm.
12/04
I was just wondering...with the conflicting opinions of your teammates about the substance abuse policy this week, what's your take on the League banning ephedrea? Should it be banned? And should it have such a harsh suspension if it is not performance enhancing? Also, how closely related do you think the Legue's policy is to Korey Stringer's death? Thanks, and good luck against Houston! L.
When the player's association came to us they said that everyone who has died had ephedra in their system. I have to take their word for it but I don't know if they have even seen the blood work. I haven't seen it. I don't take ephedra or any other drug but I don't see ephedra as performance enhancing; I think it's even in cold medications.

The reason I object to the league policy is because the ban on something like ephedra is greater than for something like cocaine, which is an illegal substance. It makes it seem like cocaine is O.K. because you get two or three chances if you use cocaine but if you use ephedra you'll get suspended, no questions asked, four games, no paychecks. I think it's ridiculous!

Editor's Note: Yesterday Julius Pepper's (Carolina Panthers) brilliant rookie season ended when the league suspended him for four games. Pepper's agent said that the league told him he had tested positive for a banned substance found in an over the counter dietary supplement.
R.H.: Could you tell me how you spend a typical day during the season? As a 9 to 5 working stiff, I have no idea what your work day is like. Tarrytown, NY

In general, we watch film on Monday. By Wednesday we’re getting into the game plan and Thursday is a big study day. Friday we have a half day because everything is done. Everyone knows the game plan and we’re just polishing it off by then. Friday practice ends about noon.

6:30 AM:
The alarm goes off and I try to jump out of bed because I’m afraid I’ll go back to sleep
otherwise. I go directly into hurry-up mode because I have to get out of the apartment, into my car and be at Giants Stadium by 7:30AM.

7:30 AM:
Special teams meet.

8:00 AM:
We have a meeting of the entire team Coach will usually say a few words to us and then we split up and go to offensive and defensive meetings.

10:30 AM:
Walk through.

11:00 AM-1 PM:
Practice

!:00 PM:
We get off the field and lift. Lifting is mandatory twice a week. After we finish in the weight room, we have lunch.

3:00-4:00 PM:
We watch film and then we’re finished for the day-at least at the stadium.
After I drive home and have dinner, I study the plays. It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour just to go over them. When I finish reviewing the week’s plays, I watch tape for about an hour, so by game day I feel I know the opposing team very well. There really isn’t any time for a social life during the week.

10:30 PM-11:00 PM:
I fall into bed and never have any trouble getting to sleep.

Coach M. R. Hi Battle. Whenever I see J.Q. he says you got lucky. He should be playing for the Giants. Every so often I pop a freshman basketball tape into the VCR and watch your immense hoop skills. Good luck and keep the streak alive. Coach R

It’s great to hear from you, Coach. How are you doing? Say hi to J.Q. for me, please. How is your son? 
B.K. How do you maintain such excellent focus when you have to catch a difficult pass with a defender draped all over you?
I really just concentrate on the ball and don’t notice anything else. I think about bringing the ball in and don’t worry about anything after that. I don’t even hear the crowd noise.

M: I’m sorry for asking two questions however I sent this same question to you but from a different website but I wasn’t sure on which one you would receive quicker there for I’m asking again "If you could only pick one person, who would you say was the biggest impact on you to help you become the person you are today, as in a football player, a person, and a husband?" Thank you
You don’t need to apologize. I’m sorry I haven’t answered my e-mails sooner but it took several weeks to get my web site up and running. Now I hope to be able to stay on top of the e-mails.
As to which person in my life has had the greatest impact on me, I would have to say my brother, Donald. He, probably more than anyone else, has helped me to develop into a better man, husband and football player. Although miles separate us now, we’re still very close.


T: Did Amani wear number 89 at all during his career? Yes, Amani wore number 89 in his rookie year, 1996, and in 1997. After Thomas Lewis who wore number 81 left the Giants, Amani acquired his number. He has been wearing it since 1998.

Why number 81, well Amani was 18 all through his high school and college football career. The Giants wouldn't let him wear 18 so the only way he could simulate it was to reverse the number 18.

The only time Amani wore number 18 as a Pro was during his rookie preseason.


My name is P H and I played football for DLS from 84-88. We actually met one time in the DLS weight room; Lad gave me a key back when I was in college so I could use it for my military training. I came across your web site while I was looking up how the Spartans did this week against Liberty (as if there was any question).

I just wanted to let you know that I saw the excerpt about you that was onTV (NBC I believe) last week about traveling abroad and thought it wasreally cool. After spending six years as a US Air Force IntelligenceOfficer, four of which was spent in Germany, I now work for a commercial IT company in Stuttgart. In the interview you were talking about how much you learned on your travels of the world and how it had opened your eyes to so much out there that you never knew existed. I couldn't have agreed more.

I have lived overseas for seven years, studying in Austria and then stationed in Germany, and in that time have traveled extensively. It constantly amazes me how little the average American knows about issues, customs, ideologies, and courtesies of foreign nations. It was nice to see you bring the concept that "there is much more out there than you can hardly imagine" to the national spotlight. I hope it encourages others to follow your path. I've been embarrassed so many times watching how many Americans act overseas that I've contemplated writing a book about it!

Anyway, just thought you might appreciate the feedback and, though I am still a life long Raiders fan, wish you the best of luck. I still track all of the Spartans out there, and their progress, very closely. If you ever find yourself in Germany and need a tour guide feel free to look me up!

And remember, God's a Spartan!
P.H. It’s always great to hear from a Spartan and I enjoyed reading your insights about living and working in Europe. If you do write that book, let me know and I’ll be first in line to buy it. Amani
A: Guess what I have your name and any time I be sarcastic they always go Amani Toomer! I love that name. I am 9 years old. A.: Hey, ”little Amani” it’s nice to know I have a 9-year old namesake out there and I’m glad to hear you are as proud of our name as I am. Are you a Giants’ fan, too?.

CUKR: Really enjoyed browsing through. Good luck against Dallas this week CUKR: Thanks for your comments on my web site. I’ve been trying to make it something that football fans would enjoy.


MG: I think You should add more Pictures Of amani, exspeacially ones when he had his hair( I loved his hair!).. MG: Thanks for the suggestion and I am trying to get some more pictures for the web site. (My mother likes the pics with hair better, also.) The reason I shaved my head was because I had a bad concussion last season that I thought might have been caused by my helmet not fitting properly.

Please send your suggestions. Tell me what YOU want to see on this web site. Email us at comments@amanitoomer.com

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