Giants kicker Mason Crosby relishes reunion with ex-teammate Aaron Rodgers
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Mason Crosby was thrilled to be able attend the 40th birthday party for his good friend, Aaron Rodgers.
The bash took place Dec. 3 at Zero Bond in Noho — attended by luminaries such as actor Miles Teller, Olympian Lindsey Vonn and a bunch of Rodgers’ Jets teammates.
And also a few players from Rodgers’ days in Green Bay, including one current Giants player.
“Didn’t think I’d be back in New York in this area after that, but it’s crazy how life works out,’’ Crosby told The Post.
Crosby, 39, was out of the NFL after spending the past 16 years with the Packers, with his entire stay in Green Bay alongside Rodgers, who came to the team in 2005.
Crosby made 395 field goals with the Packers and is their career leader in scoring (1,918 points) and games played (258).
The season nearly came and went with Crosby out of work before the Giants signed him to their practice squad two days before Christmas.
They needed another kicker after Cade York hurt his quad in practice.
York was replacing Randy Bullock, who went down with a strained hamstring.
Bullock had replaced Graham Gano, who kicked in the first eight games this season before requiring knee surgery.
That whirlwind at the kicker position allowed Crosby to get back in the game for what will be a temporary fill-in stay with the Giants.
In two games with his new team, he is 3-for-4 on his field goal attempts, hitting from 52-yards in New Orleans on his first kick for the Giants and last week missing from 54 yards out as time expired in a 26-25 loss to the Rams.
Crosby will kick for the Giants on Sunday in the season finale against the Eagles at MetLife Stadium to end his brief stay in New Jersey.
As of mid-week he had yet to get together with Rodgers, who missed all but the first four snaps this season for the Jets, landing on injured reserve with a torn Achilles tendon.
“I was heartbroken for him when I saw him go down there,’’ Crosby said. “We’ve been through a lot together. We played there together in Green Bay for a really long time. My kids were as heartbroken as anybody when they saw it happen. He’s a special guy and he’s important to me and my family and obviously he’s played a special role in our life.’’
Rodgers will try again in 2024 to start at quarterback and turn around the Jets’ fortunes and his longtime buddy would not bet against him.
“I wouldn’t do that with Aaron,’’ Crosby said. “He was pushing to see if he could get back for this year, which would have been unheard of. I think that’s how he’s operated and that’s his mentality, kind of the underdog since he was drafted a little later than he thought he was and he works best in that role, where he’s pushing to prove people wrong.’’
This could be the first true winter-weather game for the Giants, coming in their season finale, with snow turning to a mix of snow and rain expected throughout the day before the storm leaves the area in the evening.
The Eagles will be without WR DeVonta Smith, their second-leading receiver, who is out with a sprained ankle.
The Giants will be without rookie CB Deonte Banks (shoulder) for the second straight game.
The Giants made several roster moves for their season finale.
T Yodny Cajuste and K Crosby were activated from the practice squad, QB Jacob Eason and TE Tyree Jackson were signed from the practice squad, and S Jason Pinnock was put on injured reserve.
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