The New York Giants family suffered a tremendous loss on Wednesday with the passing of retired quarterback Jared Lorenzen, who won a championship as part of the Super Bowl XLII team.
Throughout that 2007 season, Lorenzen served as Eli Manning’s back up, and the eventual Super Bowl MVP even partially credited “The Hefty Lefty” with his sack escape and first-down pass to David Tyree.
Shortly after learning of Lorenzen’s passing, Manning expressed condolences to his family and friends.
“Jared was a great teammate and friend. We competed against each other in college and came to the Giants together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I will always remember his competitive spirit and his good nature. Jared has left us all way too soon,” Manning said, via team release.
In addition to Manning, former Giants head coach Tom Coughlin released a statement through the team.
“I’m shocked to learn of Jared’s passing. Jared had a fun-loving, yet serious attitude. He was a good athlete, he had touch and versatility, and he was serious about trying to get his weight under control,” Coughlin said. “Jared got along well with his teammates, and he contributed a lot in his hometown. He worked with young kids in teaching them the game of football. My thoughts are with Jared’s family and the Giants family. It’s sad to lose a kid who tried so hard to play again.”
Team co-owners, John Mara and Steve Tisch, also offered their condolences to the Lorenzen family.
“Jared was a special person, and a beloved Giant. He was an important member of our 2007 team, one that created its own destiny. Our thoughts are with Jared’s family and friends who loved and appreciated him so much, just as our organization and fans did,” a team release read.
