The New York Giants have had issues at safety — particularly, at free safety — in recent years, so in an effort to combat that, general manager Dave Gettleman went out and signed veteran Antoine Bethea, who turned 35 on Saturday.
But don’t let Bethea’s age fool you — he’s still running around and playing like a 25-year-old. Just ask sophomore defensive tackle B.J. Hill.
“Ahh man, he’s been in the league for a little minute. I’m going to say he’s like 32? 33? 34? wait no 5? Yeah he’s still young though. He’s still got it in him,” Hill told reporters on Saturday before being told Bethea turned 35. “That’s awesome, he’s still got it too. I can see it out there on the field.”
Given Bethea’s familiarity with James Bettcher’s defensive system, he’s stepped right in, almost flawlessly, and it’s showed early in training camp.
Bethea has been all over the field, but perhaps more importantly than that, he’s taken on a key leadership role away from the field, mentoring young players like Jabrill Peppers, Sean Chandler and Julian Love.
If Bethea can continue to turn back the clock while helping to develop young talent, his benefit to the Giants will be felt long after he steps away from the game. And as Hill tells it, that may be a bit further off than many might think.
