After an embarrassing 0-2 start, the New York Giants received a visit from U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Gregory Gadson. Gadson was patrolling the streets in Iraq when an IED struck his car. Colonel Gadson lost both of his legs. He spoke with the Giants prior to their week 3 victory in Washington which was said to have turned their season around. Gadson spoke to the team about keeping their poise and fighting their way through the bad times. He spoke of the importance of teammates and being there for eachother through the good times and the bad. His story greatly inspired wide receiver Plaxico Burress. After scoring a big touchdown against the Redskins, Burress unselfishly gave the ball to his new friend. They were from the same area of Virginia. Burress stayed in contact with Gadson via text messages. When Gadson heard of the Giants making the playoffs he wanted to do something more. He got fitted for prosthetic legs and was standing there waiting for the team when they arrived in Tampa. Colonel Gadson even sat on the sidelines in below zero temperatures in Green Bay. After the interception in overtime of the championship game, Corey Webster showed more of that unselfishness that Gadson spoke about by handing him the ball. Gadson was quoted saying that he felt like he was a part of the team and in a way, he was. In an interview before the Super Bowl, several players such as Antonio Pierce and Osi Umenyiora said they would give Gadson their Super Bowl ring if they won. That is how much he meant to that team. Of course, Colonel Gadson was in Arizona to watch his team destroy history and take down the New England Patriots.
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