BALTIMORE, Md. -- The year was 2003 when Visanthe Shiancoe left Morgan State University’s small campus for the National Football League’s big stage. As a member of the New York Giants he has helped create openings for Pro-Bowl running back Tiki Barber, but it is what he’s done for his alma-mater that will create opportunities for future Bears.
Thursday, February 17, the Morgan State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics honored Shiancoe for his donation of roughly $25,000 of equipment in an effort to significantly upgrade the school’s weight room. Local media, former coaches, teammates, and his mother attended the ceremony.
“This is my foundation, my home -- I have to take care of home before anywhere else,” said the Giants tight end.
The gift is described as an invaluable addition to not only the continued development of the MSU football, but also the entire MSU athletics program.
During his undergraduate days Shiancoe practically lived in the weight room. His tireless dedication, sweat and hard work resulted in transforming a 190-pound freshman project, into a 250-pound an NFL Draft pick.
“Shiancoe represents what Morgan State football is all about,” said Bears head coach Donald Hill-Eley. “Our mission is not only to produce good football players, but we endeavor to produce great men who become productive citizens. Visanthe is the ultimate example of that model. Shiancoe has gone on to not only represent Morgan State well in the NFL, but he's reached back to help current and future Morgan State athletes enjoy the same success. He embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Morgan Bear.”
Visanthe would go on to say that this would be just the “tip of the iceberg” and that he wanted Morgan’s facility to be of high caliber. With the type of work ethic he displayed as a Bear, make no mistake that his pro career has the potential to reach that same quality.
Last season, Shiancoe finished his second year with the Giants by catching five balls for 25 yards and scored a touchdown.
