Cofield Gets the Needle in Cranford

New York Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield spends his work days crashing into large human beings moving at alarmingly high rates of speed. They wear lots of pads, but it's fair to say that he's experienced pain that few people could handle. But on a chilly Tuesday, Cofield was just like us, putting on a brave face, just before a nurse gave him a shot.

In full view of fans and reporters at Walgreens in Cranford, the defensive tackle told NJ-12 that it doesn't matter how tough he is on the field when it's cold and flu season. It's important for him to get vaccinated more than ever, Colfield says, because "I have a brand new baby."

Cofield was "stuck" at Walgreens, which  serves as a sponsor and official pharmacy of the N.Y. Giants. Under the alliance, the Giants' players appear at Walgreen's as part of a fall flu season and diabetes testing program.

Afterwards, Cofield signed autographs for a line of fans that wrapped around the store.

"It was great meeting a professional player, he's a really nice guy," said fan Zach Hoffman, 13. He added that he's rooted for the Giants, "all my life."

After spotting the event advertised on a shelf full of footballs in Walgreen's, Mike Banek, 12, brought over four friends who also are Giants fanatics. He said he was just thrilled that the sign touting Cofield's appearance caught his eye. "I've enjoyed mainly everything about it," . He was a nice guy. It was worthwhile."

Ann Marie Maglino similarly came to Walgreen's originally to shop, and excitedly alerted other Giants fans she knew.

"I happened to come and pick something up, so I called all my friends and came back," she said.