How can you not love the Blessuan Austin story? The rookie cornerback made his NFL debut last Sunday, his first football game in 436 days. The former Rutgers player blew out his ACL in 2017 and again in 2018, but he showed enough potential to get drafted in the sixth round.
Before last week's game, Austin chatted with one of his mentors, Henry Baker, the Giants' assistant defensive backs coach. He was Austin's position coach at Rutgers for the first ACL injury, making it a full-circle moment.
"He was there when I found out the news the first time," Austin said. "I was crying, shedding tears. He came to my off-campus apartment and he was basically taking care of me."
Austin, who wound up replacing the ineffective Nate Hairston, texted Baker a "winky" emoji after the game. This Austin kid has some moxie; it'll be interesting to watch his development. Look for him to start Sunday. Hairston could be inactive.
Before last week's game, Austin chatted with one of his mentors, Henry Baker, the Giants' assistant defensive backs coach. He was Austin's position coach at Rutgers for the first ACL injury, making it a full-circle moment.
"He was there when I found out the news the first time," Austin said. "I was crying, shedding tears. He came to my off-campus apartment and he was basically taking care of me."
Austin, who wound up replacing the ineffective Nate Hairston, texted Baker a "winky" emoji after the game. This Austin kid has some moxie; it'll be interesting to watch his development. Look for him to start Sunday. Hairston could be inactive.
