Most players are reluctant to make public the far-reaching goals they have for themselves.
Why raise such lofty expectations and risk falling short?
Kayvon Thibodeaux is not most players.
He approached the podium Thursday after organized team activity practice No. 3 and repeated his desire to break Michael Strahan’s NFL record of 22.5 sacks in a season.
Strahan did it in 2001, his ninth year with the Giants.
“We’re in a life that we only really get once,’’ Thibodeaux said. “You talk about living it to the fullest. When you have people who have lived it and who have walked it, it would be kind of a disservice to myself to not strive to be better than the standards they set.
“[Strahan] didn’t have as many rush opportunities as I’m going to have. The game wasn’t as [pass-happy] as it [is now]. I have an opportunity that people would wish they could be in. It’s only right if I give the people what they want. I honor myself by putting everything on the line, trying to be the best.’’
Strahan in his first two NFL seasons totaled 6.5 sacks. Thibodeaux in his two years with the Giants has 15.5 sacks.
The Giants this summer will participate in joint practices with two of the three teams they play in the preseason.
They will work with the Lions at the Giants’ facility and will practice for one day with the Jets at the Jets’ facility. Last year, the Giants had two joint practices at Lions training camp in Allen Park, Mich.Â
The identity of the second perimeter cornerback to start opposite Deonte Banks was one of the biggest question marks this offseason.
The coaching staff is not hiding this one. For now, it is Cor’Dale Flott, who is entering his third season with the Giants.
“Like right now, if we played today, it would be him and Banks out there on the grass at corner,’’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Jerome Henderson said. “I expect Flott to have a really productive, good year for us.’’Â
TE Darren Waller and WR Darius Slayton continue to stay away from the team during the voluntary phases of the offseason program.
Waller is contemplating retirement, and Slayton is seeking more money — he is scheduled to make $6.2 million this season.Â
“I’ve spoken to Slay,’’ coach Brian Daboll said. “This is voluntary. If he wants to be here, great. If there’s anyone that doesn’t want to be here, that’s their choice, that’s why it’s voluntary.
“I would say the same thing I said last month: Let Darren take what he needs to take, and once the decision is made we’ll go from there.’’Â
The shooting for “Hard Knocks: Offseason With the New York Giants’’ has been completed.
The first of the five-episode series airs July 2 on HBO.
This is the first time the “Hard Knocks’’ series chronicled an NFL team in the offseason.
Daboll said there were HBO cameras “everywhere’’ during the filming, but those cameras were not intrusive.
“You almost forget about it,’’ Daboll said. “They’re kind of situated in a bunch of different rooms.’’
Daboll added that the cameras were more focused on general manager Joe Schoen than they were on him.
“I would say there’s more cameras in Joe’s office, but it’s been good,’’ Daboll said. “They’re good people. Kind of winding down here. But it’s been fine.’’Â
This is a time for experimentation, but here is something that could stick into the season.
Daboll appeared to be calling the plays during the team periods, positioned close behind the line of scrimmage.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who called the plays in 2022 and most of the 2023 season, was off to the side.
Daboll has said his taking over the play-calling on a full-time basis this season is on the table.
