EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich grew up in locker rooms, from peewee football to the N.F.L.
“It’s a very unusual work environment — a small space and 100 percent male,” Herzlich said.
Locker to locker, the setting is marinated in machismo, with a lineup of employees celebrated for their toughness.
“We play a rough game on TV,” Herzlich said. “People see us and say: ‘Man, look at that dude. That’s a guy right there.’ ”
In recent seasons, as the N.F.L. was shamed by multiple domestic violence arrests and the incendiary video of running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancée in an elevator, Herzlich knew it was crucial that he work to change the culture of the locker room.