Appearing as a guest on the RapSheet and Friends podcast, Giants wide receiver Golden Tate touched on a variety of topics, from his free agency experience, to his early impressions of his new team, and more.
"Something definitely feels special about being here," Tate told Ian Rapoport. "I've known for a long time that this fan base is incredible. After playing in this division last year for a little bit, I think that this is the best division in football to be a part of, and that's exciting."
The 30-year-old wideout inked a four-year, $37.5 million contract with the Giants in March. The former Seahawk, Lion, and Eagle signed with the Giants just two days after the Odell Beckham Jr. trade became official.
"I didn't know what to expect in free agency," Tate said. "I guess the moment that Odell was traded, I kind of thought there would be an opportunity there, but I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I just wanted to go somewhere and be happy and help that team win, and I'm glad it ended up being the New York Giants.
"I've admired that organization from afar for a long time, going back to when I was a kid. I watched [Eli Manning] growing up, and now I have a chance to play with him. It's pretty special. But when you walk in that locker room for that organization, you can feel and see the tradition that this organization has, and I love that."
Since entering the NFL in 2010, Tate has established himself as one of the most dynamic open-field players in the league, compiling 7,215 receiving yards and 38 receiving touchdowns, while adding 987 yards as a punt returner.
With the Giants, he'll look to provide a veteran presence for the receivers group, while filling the void (or at least some of it) left behind by Beckham after his trade to Cleveland.
Things are still in the early stages with Tate's Giants career, but he's pleased with what he's seen to this point with his new team.
"I'm excited to get going, to start playing ball and making plays and hopefully winning a bunch of games," said Tate. "I'm very happy and encouraged with the personnel we have, and the players we have in the locker room, and the character we have, so hopefully we just continue to take it day by day and build on that.
"Right now, we're all kind of in the learning stage... We'll see what's going to happen. I think we have the right attitude, I think we have the right pieces. We've just got to go out there with a purpose every day."