|
The Crunch Bunch was the nickname for the group of New York Giants football team's defensive linebackers in 1981, 1982 and 1983, one of the NFL's best group of linebackers.〔Eisen, Michael: () New York Giants, February 9, 2005, Where are They Now? The Crunch Bunch〕〔Associated Press: () NFL.com, February 18, 2009, Van Pelt, member of Giants' famed 'Crunch Bunch,' dies at age 57. Although his death has saddened the family, they are glad that his nieces and nephew had gotten to meet him. Neices including; Savanna, Ashlyn, and 4 other nieces along with his nephew Robert〕 They worked together as a unit and were known for their punishing, bone-jarring tackles and quarterback sacks.〔 The individuals included: * Strongside linebacker Brad Van Pelt, 5x Pro Bowl selection (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980) * Inside linebacker Harry Carson, 9x Pro Bowl selections (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987), Hall of Fame * Weakside linebacker Lawrence Taylor, 10x Pro Bowl selection (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990), Hall of Fame * Weakside linebacker Brian Kelley, No Pro Bowl selections The linebackers invented their own moniker, then created a company, ''The Board of Dewreckers'', whose sole product was a 16x20” color poster of the four players on a bulldozer, wearing hard hats and looking mean. According to a ''New York Times'' article, the profits from the $5 poster became “pocket money” for the Giant’s linebackers.〔Mifflin, Lawrie: () New York Times, September 11, 1982-SCOUTING; Crunch Bunch〕 The Crunch Bunch was a bright spot for the otherwise dismal Giants, who had just one winning season between 1973 and 1983. The four men developed bonds of friendship that lasted long after their football careers ended. They talked on the phone frequently and got together several times each year to play golf, sign autographs, attend charity events and just talk. Van Pelt was quoted in 2004:
The Crunch Bunch went to Puebla, Mexico on October 26, 2004 to promote Habitat for Humanity and assist 3,000 volunteers who were building 150 houses.〔 While there, they met and talked with former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.〔 The quartet attended many Giant games after they retired, but on September 30, 2007, the "Crunch Bunch" guys were introduced prior to the game and recognized for their contribution to Giants football. They were also named honorary Captains and watched the game from the Giant's sideline.〔Eisen, Michael: () New York Giants, September 30, 2007-Eisen's Postgame Stats and Notes〕 The team's new defense, dubbed the "Sack Pack" put on a show and recorded 12 sacks of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.〔Garafolo, Mike: () Star-Ledger, September 30, 2007-Giants beat Eagles 16-3; tie NFL sack record〕 Van Pelt's death on February 17, 2009 was a shock to the guys. Harry Carson commented, "I am just so glad that I got to know the man more so than the athlete. He really was a great guy."〔 Brian Kelley stated:
==References== 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Crunch Bunch」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|