Zak DeOssie, a professional American football player, is best known for his role as a long snapper with the New York Giants. Born on May 24, 1984, in North Andover, Massachusetts, DeOssie grew up in a football-oriented family. His father, Steve DeOssie, was also an NFL player, which provided Zak with a unique perspective on the sport from an early age.
DeOssie attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he excelled in football, earning a reputation as a talented linebacker. His skills on the field led him to Brown University, where he continued to develop his abilities. At Brown, DeOssie was a standout player, earning All-Ivy League honors multiple times. His performance at Brown caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was invited to the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine.
In the 2007 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected DeOssie in the fourth round, making him the 116th overall pick. He joined the team as a linebacker and long snapper, a dual role that showcased his versatility. DeOssie's rookie season with the Giants was marked by a Super Bowl victory, as the team defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. His contributions as a long snapper were crucial to the team's success, and he quickly became a reliable presence on special teams.
Throughout his career with the Giants, DeOssie was known for his consistency and reliability as a long snapper. He played in every game for the team from 2007 to 2015, a testament to his durability and skill. In addition to his regular-season performances, DeOssie played in several playoff games, including another Super Bowl victory in 2011 when the Giants once again defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.
DeOssie's excellence on special teams earned him two Pro Bowl selections, in 2008 and 2010. These accolades highlighted his status as one of the top long snappers in the league. His ability to deliver accurate snaps under pressure was a key component of the Giants' special teams unit.
Off the field, DeOssie was known for his leadership and professionalism. He served as a team captain for several seasons, a role that underscored his influence in the locker room. His teammates and coaches respected him for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Injuries began to take a toll on DeOssie later in his career. In 2015, he suffered a wrist injury that ended his streak of consecutive games played. Despite this setback, he returned to the field and continued to perform at a high level. However, by the 2019 season, injuries and the physical demands of the game led DeOssie to consider retirement.
After the 2019 season, DeOssie announced his retirement from professional football. His departure marked the end of an era for the Giants, as he had been a fixture on the team for over a decade. DeOssie's career with the Giants spanned 13 seasons, during which he played in 199 regular-season games and numerous playoff contests.
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