Jermaine Eluemunor, wearing No. 72, vows to make Osi Umenyiora proud

The New York Giants introduced their newest additions along the offensive line on Thursday in guard Jon Runyon Jr. and guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.

Eluemunor will wear uniform No. 72, which was worn once by Giants Ring of Honoree and strip-sack specialist Osi Umenyiora.

Eluemunor said he cleared things with the famous sack master before commandeering the number and promised to do right by it.

Osi told Eluemunor not to worry and to “do his thing” and returned the respect on social media.

This is really cool. Can’t wait to watch you play @TheMainShow_ https://t.co/UVLYaVWV2x

— OSI (@OsiUmenyiora) March 14, 2024

Eluemunor has been all over social media expressing his excitement over joining the Giants. Asked why he was so ecstatic to sign with a team that has one of the worst records in the NFL over the past decade, he didn’t hesitate to answer.

“My excitement comes from this franchise as a whole,” he said.

“I grew up in Jersey when I moved from London. Also, the first team I ever saw play football was the Giants, and that helmet and that uniform just sticks out to me. It’s known across the world. For me coming here to this franchise was always a dream. You say they haven’t won that much, but I’ve watched them a number of times. Who knows? Maybe I’m the missing piece for helping them get towards that.”

Eluemunor comes over from the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played mainly at tackle last season for then-line coach Carmen Bricillo, who is now in the role here with the Giants.

“If you really look at my production, my best two years came under Carm,” he said. “To have someone like him that just believes in you and is going to go to war and bat for you up in that room up there and give you tough love and also do what needs to be done and help you in ways that you need to be helped, that goes a long way.”

Where Eluemunor will play is still unknown. The Giants’ line has just two slots spoken for — left tackle (Andrew Thomas) and center (John Michael Schmitz).

“One thing that has helped me get to this position right now, is my versatility,” Eluemunor said. “I’ve played left tackle, left guard, right guard, right tackle. We have a really good left tackle. Evan Neal is a really good player in my opinion. I think he has a lot of potential. I’m really excited to play with Runyan and JMS.

“I’ll play where I’m needed. That’s my thing, and I think that’s what’s helped me stay in the league this long and get to the position, is I’m really versatile. Wherever I’m needed and whatever helps the team is where I’m going to be.”