Former New York Giants assistant coach Romeo Crennel officially announced his retirement on Monday after nearly 40 years in the league.
The 74-year-old Crennel coached 39 seasons in the NFL and 11 at the college level. He spent 12 years with the Giants from 1981-1992, first coaching special teams before taking over as defensive line coach in 1990.
During his time with the Giants, Crennel picked up two Super Bowl titles. He would go on to win three more as defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots. He was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2003.
“Football has been my entire life and it’s been a dream come true to coach for 50 years,” Crennel said in a statement. “There are so many friends to thank who have helped me and supported me throughout my career. I especially want to thank the fans and owners of the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans for allowing me to contribute to the game that I have loved so much for so long.
“I’ll miss everything about coaching and teaching, but the thing I’ll miss the most is being around the guys every day. My goal was to put every player and coach in the best position to succeed and I consider every guy I coached or worked with a part of my family. I would also want to thank my wife Rosemary and my three daughters, Lisa, Tiffany and Kristine, for all of their support over the years. Because of their love and selflessness, I have been able to live out my dream. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to spend more time with my grandchildren while staying around the game of football.”
In a strange twist, Crennel retires in the same year that one of his former assistants, Brian Daboll, takes the reins as Giants head coach. Another former Crennel assistant, Nick Sirianni, currently serves as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Once a Giant, always a Giant.
