Spring 2003 Edition       

Fair Lawn Boy Joins The Giants   In March, the Giants signed fullback Jim Finn, who spent the previous three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Finn, 6-0 and 242 pounds, played at Bergen Catholic High School and his family still lives in Fair Lawn.    “Growing up I heard so much about the Giants and Jets and it was a pedestal I dreamed of being on,” Finn said. “To get a chance to play in front of the hometown crowd in Giants Stadium, where I’ve been going to watch games since 1985, is a dream come true. My family and friends will be able to see me on a regular basis.”   He entered the NFL as the Chicago Bears’ seventh-round draft choice in 1999, the 253rd and last player chosen in that draft. After being released on Aug. 30, 1999, Finn was a member of the Bears’ practice squad from Sept. 21 to Oct. 11 that season.   Finn was signed by the Colts on Jan. 24, 2000. That year, he played in 16 games, with one start. Finn led Indianapolis with 22 special teams tackles, including 14 solo, and was an outstanding blocker for Edgerrin James, who rushed for 1,709 yards. In 2001, Finn saw action in 15 games, primarily on special teams. He had no rushes or receptions.   Last season, Finn played in 12 games, with two starts. He had six receptions for 31 yards, with a long of 12 yards, plus five rushing attempts for eight yards. Finn also had three special teams tackles.   “I haven’t been in an offense where the fullback is used as it is in the Giants offense,” Finn said. “I’ve never been able to show what I’m completely capable of doing, and I’m looking forward to that opportunity. I think it’s a perfect fit. I just want to come in and compete for a job and hopefully everything will work out.   “I’m pretty realistic of what I’m capable of, and what I should be doing in the NFL. I think blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield would suit me just fine.”   Finn was a four-year letterman at the University of Pennsylvania, where he finished with 2,277 career rushing yards, the fourth-highest total in school history. He also scored 180 points, which places him fifth on the all-time list.  As a senior in 1998, he was a first-team, all-Ivy League selection after setting Penn records with 1,450 yards and 323 rushing attempts. He also scored 17 touchdowns. Against Brown, he had 43 carries for 259 yards and four touchdowns.   At Bergen Catholic, Finn was an all-state football player and wrestler. He was born on Dec. 9, 1976. For more info about Finn, see http://nfl.com/players/playerpage/133283