One year and one day after Plaxico Burress ended his career with the Giants by putting a bullet through his thigh, the man who took Burress to the hospital saw his season end, via placement on injured reserve.
But linebacker Antonio Pierce says that, unlike Burress, his career as a member of the Giants isn’t over yet.
“I don’t see why I wouldn’t be there,” Pierce told Alex Marvez and Marty Schottenheimer of Sirius NFL Radio. “This was a season that got cut short by injury that shocked all of us -- management, coaches and players. With everything I gave New York the past five years, I feel I’ll be here.”
After suffering a couple of “stingers” during the season, Pierce learned that he has a bulging disk in his neck.
In time, the disk will return to normal.
“Doctors told me just to rest,” Pierce said. “There’s no rehab, medication, injections or surgery. Surgery wasn’t even an option. It’s just not having contact with football.”
Next season will be the final year of Pierce’s contract. He previously has made known his desire for a new deal, but nothing ever happened -- and Pierce ultimately quit asking.
“With everything I gave New York the past five years, I feel I’ll be here [in 2010],” Pierce said. “If this is my last [season] in New York next year or this year, I’ve had a great run. I’ve been very happy and blessed to be with a Super Bowl champion, part of a Pro Bowl and the great players I’ve played with. I don’t concern myself with that right now.”
If the Giants release Pierce, they’ll save $4.75 million in 2010 compensation.
