Eli Manning fan of joint practice — now that Shockey’s gone

Eli Manning was asked if he remembered the last time the Giants worked with another team in a joint training camp practice.

Manning did not immediately come up with the year, but he did instantly recall what happened a decade ago.

“That was [Jeremy] Shockey getting in a big fight, right?’’ Manning said.

Yes indeed, the last time the Giants engaged in a joint training camp practice was back in 2005, when they invited the Jets up to the University at Albany. The first day devolved into a controversial mess when a series of altercations broke out, with tight end Jeremy Shockey at the center of the very first fight.

This summer, for the first time in 10 years, the Giants will take part in a joint practice, as they will work out with the Bengals Aug. 11 and 12 in Cincinnati in advance of their preseason opener August 14 at Paul Brown Stadium.

“Shockey’s not here anymore ,’’ Manning said, “so I think we’ll have a shot to keep it civilized. Giants and Jets, the whole deal. With the Bengals I think we’ll be able to keep it civilized. The two coaches that are conducting this both want to get something out of it and keep it productive.’’

Manning took part Wednesday in the Giants’ first organized team activity practice and he said he’s always in favor of breaking the monotony of the offseason routine.

“I think it’s good in training camp to mix it up and get some new blood in there and get some different looks,’’ Manning said. “It will be good for breaking up what can be a tedious deal. This will make is fun.’’


(nypost.com)