The first reaction was surprise. Then empathy. Followed by hope and belief.
Before it was announced on Tuesday that Giants general manager Dave Gettleman had been diagnosed with lymphoma, the team was told of the sad news by coach Pat Shurmur in an impromptu meeting.
“It was horrible,” right guard Will Hernandez said Wednesday at the fourth annual Children of the City Charity Bowl at Lucky Strike in Manhattan.
“It was tough,” wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. “But that guy is a strong guy just from what I know of being around him these last few months.