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Football’s common connection with the New York Knicks

By Ed Easton Jr.

NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 7: Odell Beckham Jr. attend the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 7: Odell Beckham Jr. attend the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As the NFL season gets underway, we take a look at the interesting common connection between football and the New York Knicks.

I know this seems a little odd to be discussing anything football-related, but when it pertains to the New York Knicks, it’s actually quite normal. The connection between the Knickerbockers and the two New York football team’s seem to be very strong with various cross-promotion opportunities allowed between franchises.

The New York hometown support routine is a common thread for fans of either the New York Jets or New York Giants whenever there is a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. Players from either football squad will usually be featured court side down MSG’s “Celebrity Row” and receive a nice round of applause when shown on the arena’s jumbotron. It’s not a rare sight to see New York Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, enjoying a Knicks game alongside the many celebrity super fans.

A cool feature for fans of both sports while attending Knicks games is the constant updates between timeouts on the floor of what’s happening in either football team’s matchup. The score — if it’s in the favor of the home New York team — serves as a tremendous crowd-starter to help raise the energy in the arena, regardless of the Knicks score.

This was put on full display during the New York Giants’ run through the 2007 playoffs coinciding with the middle of a Knicks regular season home matchup against the Detroit Pistons. The Giants would go on to pull off the upset and win their game as highlights were shown during a Knicks timeout to lift the dormant crowd.

The Giants have been fortunate to win two Super Bowls recently and have been invited to Madison Square Garden to celebrate with fans at center court during Knicks games. The most recent celebration happened after the Giants’ 2011 victory over the New England Patriots.

The Jets may be going through tough times at the moment, but as true Knicks fans can understand, the loyalty and bond with the city usually prevails. Fans in New York want to see players giving their all for the franchise win or lose, and more often than not will show respect in return.

Jets running back Bilal Powell made an appearance at a Knicks game last season after another disappointing season and was greeted with cheers.

Aside from the local team support in New York, the Knicks have benefited on the court from football with former 1994 first round draft pick Charlie Ward. The Florida State college football star walked away from the game to many critics’ surprise, especially after winning the illustrious Heisman trophy earlier that year. Ward holds the second-largest margin of victory of all time in Heisman voting but instead of risking fewer opportunities in the NFL took a chance and entered the NBA.

In a 2016 interview, Ward addressed his decision to go to the NBA instead of continuing to pursue a career in football.

"“The decision [to go into the NBA] wasn’t a difficult one for me really, The opportunity to play and provide for my family was an easy. I had options. I never really got an offer to play in the NFL once I was in the NBA. There was never an opportunity to play pro football and I really didn’t have a need for that as I was concentrating solely on football. I had no regrets at that point.”"

Ward spent 10 seasons as a member of the Knicks, sharing most of his minutes with other point guards such as Derrick Harper and Chris Childs. He currently ranks in the team’s top-five in 3-point field goals made (598) and in the top 10 all-time in steals (744) and assists (2,451).

Considering the Knicks are not projected by many to do well this season, it would be a great help morale-wise if the New York football teams picked up the slack.

Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)

At the end of the day it’s all New York pride regardless of whether your colors are “Gang Green” or “Big Blue,” you will most likely root for orange and blue this season.

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