New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes recently opened up about a viral video that showed him receiving a massage on the sideline during a game against the Green Bay Packers in London. The video, which circulated in October, caught the attention of fans and players alike.
During the game, Holmes suffered a thigh bruise and needed immediate attention to prevent it from stiffening up. With little time to spare due to the close nature of the game, Holmes asked the team’s trainer, J, to massage his thigh on the sidelines. However, instead of going to the designated medical tent, Holmes received the impromptu massage on the sideline, inadvertently exposing his buttocks.
In a recent interview on the ‘2nd Wind Podcast,’ Holmes explained the circumstances that led to the sideline massage. I knew I had a thigh bruise, Holmes said. Once it gets stiff, it’s over with. Your day’s over with. So I’m like ‘I can’t let it get stiff, man, it’s two-minute [drill].’
Holmes requested to go to the medical tent, but J informed him they were about to hit the field. Faced with limited options, Holmes decided to proceed with the massage on the sideline, saying, It is what it is at this point. Bet.
Fortunately, the Giants went on to win the game 27-22, making their flight back to New York a celebratory one. However, Holmes was met with lighthearted teasing from the team’s general manager, Joe Schoen, and owner, John Mara, regarding the now-famous video. We’re celebrating, we’re on the plane … Our GM and owner come up to me like, ‘So that’s how you get it down?’ Holmes recalled.
Shortly after the incident, Holmes took to Twitter to address the viral video. He announced his collaboration with @momentoNFT to turn the video into an NFT (non-fungible token) and promised to give away signed balls and host live streams as part of the endeavor.
Holmes, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, played in 15 games last season and played an integral role in the Giants’ defense as the team advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs.
As Holmes breaks his silence on the viral video, he provides an explanation for the incident that amused fans and garnered attention. While the video may have left some surprised, it seems that the Giants’ GM and owner took it in good stride, showcasing a light-hearted approach to an unexpected situation on the sidelines.
