NY Giants legend drops in on Conn. vets

Rocky Hill, Conn. (WTNH) - The men and women at Connecticut’s Veteran's Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill had a pleasant surprise when New York Giants legend Rodney Hampton showed up to spread a little holiday cheer.

For eight years with the Giants, running back Rodney Hampton ran away from mostly everybody, including the team rushing record. But Monday, he wasn't running away from anybody.

"It says a lot about him, that he cares about his veterans, people who served his country, and that's a lot, that's impressive,” said Eddie Hernandez of Danbury. “That's why I like the Giants because they've got class."

As part of the Connecticut Lottery's Giants-Patriots campaign, they decided to bring in one of Big Blue's all-time greats.

"We have a wonderful partnership with the NFL and with the Giants,” stated Anne Noble with Connecticut Lottery. “And we just wanted to do something for the veterans and say thank you for all of the good they do and all of the sacrifice that they make."

It’s a message that hits close to home for the former Super Bowl champ.

"I have family and friends who are veterans. So I tell them every day thank you,” said the former NY Giants player. “So that's basically why I'm here today, to tell this group of people 'thank you for serving our country,’ and we appreciate it.'"

And for the veterans there, it was an unexpected bright spot in what could have been just another dreary December day.

"It's a beautiful thing to see him in person, and it's just a great team, and I've been with them since I was growing up, and I love 'em,” said Darrell Clark of Groton.

It's been more than a decade since Mr. Hampton retired from the NFL, but he can still attract a crowd.