New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman says the aggressive cancer he was diagnosed with last month is in remission.
Speaking to the media for the first time since the Giants disclosed in early June that he had lymphoma Cornellius Carradine Jersey , Gettleman said Friday he's had four rounds of chemotherapy and will need another three more to complete his treatment.
The 67-year-old Gettleman returned to the Giants earlier this year to replace the fired Jerry Reese. He says he is feeling better than expected, but is limited in what he can do.
"I feel really good and sometimes I feel like I am apologizing for that," Gettleman said. "But you know my energy is good. I don't mind telling you chemo ain't fun. There has been a couple of days where 'whef,' it rocks your world. Now that I am going through it ... my gosh, it's not fun."
Gettleman said when he gets treatment he has to stay in the hospital for three or four days. When he is in the office, he works roughly from 10 a.m. to 7 or 7:30 p.m.
The treatments have weakened Gettleman's immune system and he said he can't have much contract with people. He has to watch training camp practices from a distance in the shade, eat alone and can't fly on airplanes. He is going to miss the Giants' workouts in Detroit with the Lions next month.
Gettleman also predicted he would return to his job full-time this season. He also plans to take part in the upcoming contract talks for star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Gettleman said it was weird hearing from his physician, Dr. Andre Goy, that he was in remission.
"Just all of a sudden you go from, within a five-week period I'm told I've got aggressive lymphoma, and in five weeks T.J. McDonald Jersey , he said everything is going to be OK. That's a quick turnaround," said Gettleman, who served as the Carolina Panthers' general manager from 2013-16.
Gettleman spoke to the Giants players after they reported to training camp Wednesday, saying that he told them two things.
The first was about the importance of being a team, and was highlighted by a recent comment from New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello after center John Tavares signed as a free agent with Toronto earlier this month.
"Lou made a great statement, which I believe in and subscribe to, in that individuals win games and teams win championships," Gettleman said.
The other point Gettleman stressed was that the players have earned the right to be in training camp and now it was up to them to make the 53-man roster and the 47-man dress squad for games.
Gettleman also showed he has not lost his sense of humor, noting that he told the players it feels different being bald. The chemo caused his hair to fall out.
"It's weird now getting up with a head of hair and looking at that face," Gettleman said.
Gettleman said the cancer has not changed his approach to life, adding he firmly believes it is centered for him on faith Carl Banks Jersey , family and football.
"Life is precious," he said. "I don't care what it is, you just can't not appreciate how important people are and how, really, we're in the people business. At the end of the day, it's not about how much money you make. It really isn't, it doesn't mean anything. It's really about what you do with your gifts, and family is our true legacy."
New coach Pat Shurmur wants the New York Giants to do the right thing when the national anthem is played before NFL games this season, and that could be a problem.
Under rules enacted by the league last week, players can stay in the locker room during "The Star-Spangled Banner," but must stand if they are on the field. Teams will be fined for violations.
That puts Shurmur and the Giants in a difficult position.
While there were only a few players kneeling during the anthem at the end of last season John Brown Jersey , two are currently on the Giants' roster. Star defensive end Olivier Vernon got down on one knee during every game last season. Safety Michael Thomas, signed in March as a free agent after five seasons in Miami, has gone down on a knee during the anthem much of the past two seasons to support the movement started by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
Shurmur said the Giants are going to let things settle before talking about the new rule as a team.
"I know certainly for me, it's very easy," Shurmur said Tuesday after a practice at an organized team activity. "I'm going to face the flag and take my cap off and listen to the anthem and be thankful that my family and I live in the greatest country in the world, and be able to kind of reflect on and be thankful for all the sacrifice that a lot of people have gone to, to help protect and secure our freedom."
Vernon did not respond to several requests to appear for an interview after practice.
Thomas said he wanted to discuss the new rule with fellow players and Giants co-owner John Mara before commenting.
"I am not committing to anything right now," Thomas said. "Just talking with my brothers and continuing to fight for our communities. Right now, we are not trying to jump the gun and step into anything."
Thomas would not say whether the Giants talked to him about the national anthem before signing him.
The 28-year-old Thomas reiterated his protests have nothing to do with disrespecting the flag or servicemen.
"A lot of people try and make this about something else than what it is," he said. "For me and my brothers, we know in our hearts why we are doing it and why we are taking this stance. We are not going to let it get distorted even if we have to find different methods and different ways to find a way to get our message across Dorian O'Daniel Jersey , then we are going to do that.
"I am not going to get emotionally hijacked about it right now, not going to make comments," Thomas added. "Just keep doing what we have to do."
Thomas played in 13 games last season with two starts. He will be given a chance to challenge Darian Thompson for the safety spot opposite Landon Collins, but he also is expected to be a force on special teams.
"It is very clear what they are thinking on special teams," Thomas said. "I am excited to be a part of that. I don't think having that low standard on special teams is going to be acceptable here."
NOTES: DT Damon Harrison took part in practice for the first time in OTAs. ... Collins, who had recent surgery on his right forearm, had a limited role in the practice. He wore a red non-contact jersey. ... Neither WR Odell Beckham Jr., nor CB Janoris Jenkins was at the practice, which is voluntary. Both told Shurmur they would not be there. ... Shurmur said Ereck Flowers is adjusting well to playing right tackle. He was moved there from left tackle after Nate Solder was signed as a free agent.
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