Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux has 1 very lofty goal for 2024 season
May 13, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) speaks to the media during rookie camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants pass-rusher Kayvan Thibodeaux is aiming as high as possible heading into the 2024 season.
Thibodeaux had 4 sacks as a rookie in 2022 after the Giants drafted him with the No. 5 overall pick. He then took a big step forward with 11.5 sacks last season, and he is hoping to double that total this year.
On Thursday, Thibodeaux began his press conference at OTAs by telling reporters he is eyeing the single-season record of 22.5 sacks that is shared by Giants legend Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt.
“In case y’all wondering, I’m going for the record, so don’t ask,” Thibodeaux said. “Every year I’m here, I’m going for Michael Strahan’s record.”
"In case y'all wondering, I'm going for the record, so don't ask."
Kayvon Thibodeaux began his media availability by telling everyone he's coming for Michael Strahan's sack record🤣 pic.twitter.com/D5ra74funP
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 23, 2024
Thibodeaux made the comment in a joking tone, but he is very serious. He later mentioned how he should have more opportunities to rush than passer than Strahan and other defenders did, as the NFL is more pass-heavy than ever.
“He didn’t have as many rush opportunities as I’m gonna have. The game wasn’t as much pass as it was before, so it’s like I have an opportunity that people would wish they could be in,” Thibodeaux said.
Giants DE Kayvon Thibodeaux opened up his press conference by saying “Every year I’m here I’m going for @michaelstrahan’s (sack) record.”
He was kidding. … Or was he?
Here he is explaining why he sets his goals so high. 👇 pic.twitter.com/cpdKm3qcWf
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) May 23, 2024
Giants fans have to admire the ambition. Watt showed that Strahan’s record is not untouchable, and Thibodeaux is a player who holds himself to a very high standard. We learned that with the assessment he had of his own play after his rookie season.
It goes without saying that Giants fans would be thrilled if one of their own broke Strahan’s record.