Jim Fassel Helps Former Player Jonathan Ogden’s Foundation, Talks Giants Football
Jim Fassel served as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens in 2004 and 2005. During that time, he came to know offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden. Fassell only had positive things to say about his former player, and was happy to help out at his charity Golf Outing in Las Vegas.
“Well it means a lot. Jonathan- with his name and the other guys that are here. Marshall Faulk, just a lot of guys that, you feel that obligation to come back and help the community that either you grew up in or where you live. And I admire Jonathan because it takes a lot of time. It seems like a lot of fun and everything, but it takes a lot of time to organize this and to give back to the community and different areas, and I admire him,” Fassel told Jared Ginsberg of Class Act Sports while at the event in June 2012.
Fassell led the Giants to a 12-4 regular season record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2001. Ironically, they lost to Ogden’s Ravens, but getting to the Super Bowl was still a highlight for him.
“Going to the Super Bowl is different than any other game. It’s not a game, it’s almost entertainment. The one thing that stands out in my mind was when we won the [NFC] Championship game, we only had four guys that had ever been to the Super Bowl, and none of our coaches,” he said.
Perhaps that inexperience was one reason they were overwhelmed by Baltimore, 34-7, but just getting there was an accomplishment.
“A lot of guys who have been in the NFL have never gotten there, so it’s quite an honor to get there. Very disappointing. It’s the biggest game of your life to lose it, but it’s an accomplishment to get there. We had a great year and a bad day,” Fassel said.
Fassel was at the helm of the Giants for seven seasons, compiling a 58-53-1 record, leading the team to three playoff appearances. He currently coaches the United Football League’s Las Vegas Locomotives. Going into his fourth season, Fassell has made the UFL title game all three years, winning the first two.
“The United Football League is a league we started three years ago. Got good coaches. Denny Green’s been in the League. Marty Schottenheimer’s got Virginia. It’s really, really good football. It’s the best football of any startup league. We’re going to go into our fourth year. We have to do a better job of marketing and getting a TV contract, but it is a tremendous opportunity for guys to rebuild their career and go back to the NFL. It’s quality football and reasonably priced,” Fassel told Class Act Sports.
