The New York Giants introduced their new defensive lineman, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, at a press conference in East Rutherford on Friday and cleared up one issue right off the bat: what to call him.
“Nacho, big dog,” he said laughingly.
His smile was wide and appears to be contagious. The Giants’ locker room just got another personality for the fans and media to embrace.
Giants fans, MEET NACHO! @RakeemNunez pic.twitter.com/dpCsXiAyL4
— New York Giants (@Giants) March 17, 2023
“I’m just bringing a whole lot of energy, a whole lot of excitement, a whole lot of teamwork, just hard work and effort,” Nacho explained. “My personality is my personality. Everything I do, I work hard for. It’s just understanding how much this game means to me and how much it gives back to me. I just try to give it all I’ve got, and I don’t know how to really wear my emotions or my feelings. But it just comes out on my sleeves, and the way I talk, it’s just me.”
Nunez-Roches, who began his career in Kansas City in 2015 and played the last five seasons in Tampa Bay, will be joining a rotation that consists of Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. Nacho is stoked for the opportunity.
“Man, I respect their game. Those are some dogs right there. I just feel like coming here to help and contribute, bringing some great things. Stopping the run is what I do. I do that in my sleep. I just want to help those guys in that aspect. Anything I can do to help them, take the load off them, that’s what I’m here for,” he said.
Nunez-Roches has a Super Bowl ring, courtesy of his Tim with Tom Brady and the Bucs, and was interested in joining a team on the rise rather than a team full of fading stars making one last stand. He said it was a tough decision choosing between the Giants and two other teams, who he did not name.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of a cause and not a part of a problem. I saw where the organization was at and the things they could do and the potential that was here,” he said. “So, I was like, ‘Man, I feel like I could be one of those factors that takes it to the next level.’ I’ve always wanted to be a part of that. I never liked going to all those ‘dream teams.’ I want to be part of the culture, a part of the change, a part of the shift. That was one of the biggest factors in coming here.”
The Giants certainly fit that mold. In 14 quick months, they’ve changed almost everything about their franchise. Bringing in players like Nacho is only going to speed up the process.
