Longtime Giants offensive lineman David Diehl has decided to call it a career, officially announcing his retirement today. Diehl played 11 seasons in New York, starting more than 160 total games at both guard and tackle for the club.
After missing only four games in his first nine seasons, Diehl was slowed by knee problems during the last two years, which contributed to his decision to retire at age 33. A fifth-round pick out of Illinois in 2003, Diehl won a pair of Super Bowls with the Giants, and earned a spot in the 2009 Pro Bowl as a left tackle.
“I’ve accomplished everything I could possibly dream of as a football player,” Diehl said. “If in 2003, anyone would have said that Dave Diehl, a fifth-round draft pick out of Illinois, would win two Super Bowls, play in the Pro Bowl and win every single Giant award possible, people would have said you’re crazy. I have a lot to be proud of.”
With Diehl retiring and Kevin Boothe, who started all 16 games in 2013, facing free agency, the Giants may end up having a couple new regulars protecting Eli Manning next season.