PLAYER spotlight

Matt Sherridan - Cornerback

So, Mr. Sherridan, tells us how it all started for you?

I found myself watching the Bears, Colts Super Bowl one night [editor: the Colts defeated the Bears 29-17 in SuperBowl XXX, in 2007]. Got hooked from the start. Learned the game playing Madden which only fuelled my addiction further. And what brought you to the Giants?

I played at university in Sheffield and wanted to continue playing locally. My university Head Coach was coaching at the Team that would become the Giants and several friends were playing too. It just made sense, despite not living in Sheffield that summer, and I’ve been here ever since.

And how does, or did, the Giants compare to university?

That’s going back a long way, but in terms of levels of playing, it’s night and day. I’ve been fortunate to have been playing a long time, and I’ve seen how positively the university game has impacted the adult game. The Giants are no different.

OK, we get it, it’s been a long time. So what has been your highlight across the years?

3 interceptions against East Kilbride Pirates, final game of the season, at home. Taking me to 10 picks in 10 games (a target I’d always aspired to) and helping secure the first ever club victory against them. 2 PBs and a big moment as a club is a hard one to beat.

Awesome. And what do you like about the Giants this year?

The energy and the passion about the ball club. The squad feels rejuvenated and it’s a pleasure to practice and play with these guys. Everyone has come out of their shell and is making everyone better. I will give a big shout out to the committee and coaching staff this year. Fantastic work has been and continues to be done to make this club an attractive and enjoyable place to play football.

On a more personal level, how’s this year going for you?

Very hit and miss, I’ve missed several games and so feel like I’m yet to give my best to this team as I haven’t yet found my stride. When I’ve been on the field though I’ve loved being a part of this secondary, there are some absolute ballers in this group and I can’t believe I’m still starting over some of these guys. Long may that continue.

Tell us about what it’s like having Coach Marsden as your Defensive Coordinator?

Eli and I go back right to the start of Giants so I’ve loved having him as my DC. I do however find that I spend a lot of my time trying to speak some sense to him on some of his more crazy ideas (I’m sure he disagrees), but we’ve always had a good relationship on the field as well as being good friends, and that has transitioned into this year too.

Similarly, what’s it like working with Coach Calvert? That’s got to be an odd dynamic.

Calvert is my guy. A weird dynamic to start with as I originally coached him at university and when he first joined us as a player a few years ago. As a coach though I’m so excited to have him on board, he’s knowledgeable, energetic and has pushed me to keep developing even in my twilight years. The leaps this talented group have taken this year are 100% attributed to his efforts. You’ve supported with coaching a lot over the years, but this year you’re official a Coaching Assistant on the staff. How have you found mixing coaching and playing?

It’s been a breeze this year. Having Calvert on board as lead DB coach has allowed me to flex back into playing whilst still able to refine technique in drills on a micro scale whilst Calvert coaches on a broader, more macro approach. It’s one that has benefited me as a player as I’ve been able to get the coaching I’ve craved for a few years, whilst still getting to be the picky perfectionist I always have been.

Looking ahead. The Giants are coming off a victory, but Chester are next up… There’s a point to prove in this one. Chester humbled us at their place and are playing well, they will naturally come to Sheffield confident. We’re a different team to what they faced that evening and anyone walking into our house had better be prepared to play a football game. Especially with the noise levels our fans can generate, a factor that never fails to give me goosebumps. I’m looking forward to it.

And what does Matt Sherridan do before and after football?

I’m a bit of a nerd and enjoy war games. So when not busy with football, I’m usually busy either playing tabletop games with my friends, on the golf course/ driving range or just relaxing playing video games. I don’t do well without a distraction of some kind. player info

Finally, tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

I don’t have anything ground breaking, so I’ll offer up a couple of small ones: I spent many seasons playing with teammates who didn’t know my real name, and didn’t learn it until after they had stopped playing. I also believe in ghosts (and am appropriately terrified of them) .

Name: Matt Sherridan

Position: Cornerback

Number: 29

University/College Team: Sheffield Hallam University Warriors

Years Playing: 14

Giants Playing Debut: 2011 versus Chester Romans

Favourite NFL Team: New Orleans Saints