EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- It began after the first full practice of the summer. New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon was out back on the Quest Diagnostics Training Center practice field after his teammates had gone inside. Vernon began running sprints under the watchful eyes of new strength and conditioning coach Aaron Wellman, directly in front of the loitering media contingent.
It almost appeared as if Vernon had failed the previous day's conditioning test. This was punishment, the football walk of shame.
In reality, that was far from the case. Vernon just wanted to put in some extra work.