David Diehl

David Diehl (born September 15, 1980) is an American football offensive tackle with the New York Giants of the National Football League and is one of only two offensive lineman who entered the NFL in 2003 to start all 80 regular season games through the end of the 2008 season.

Early life
Diehl was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 15, 1980. He is of Croatian descent on his mother's side, and of German descent on his father's side. When he was younger Diehl frequently visited, with his family, local Croatian churches and emigrant clubs in Chicago. Strong bonds with Croatian-Americans have been proved when he continued with that habit even after he moved to New Jersey, where local Croatian community often have him as a visitor.

High school career
Diehl attended Brother Rice High School in Chicago, where he starred for the football, wrestling, and track teams. He also attended St. Linus Grammar school in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

College career
Diehl attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he became a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection as a senior in 2002. Recipient of the Wright Commitment to Excellence Award, presented to the Illinois player who has dedicated himself to academic excellence despite obstacles faced during his collegiate career. Started every game at left offensive guard, registering 91 knockdowns for an offense that featured its first 1,000-yard rusher (Antoineo Harris) and 1,000-yard receiver (Brandon Lloyd) in the same season since 1984. Helped offense total 5,356 yards. In 2001, saw action at both guard and tackle. Registered 56 knockdowns as he participated in 385 plays for an offense that gained 5,041 yards as the line allowed only 16 quarterback sacks (second in the Big Ten). In 2000, was valuable reserve, seeing action in every game at right guard. Made 15 knockdowns as he participated in 43 plays. In 1999: Played in 6 games on the field goal and extra point protection units. Redshirted as a freshman in 1998.

Pro career
Diehl was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, and was the 160th overall selection. Diehl has played multiple positions on the offensive line.

In his rookie season, Diehl started all 16 games, becoming the first Giants rookie to do so since Mark Bavaro in 1985. He was one of 14 NFL rookies to start all 16 games in 2003 and was the only rookie to start at the same position each game during the 2003 season

In 2005, Diehl played yet another position, starting 15 regular season games at left guard and 1 game at right tackle. That season, Tiki Barber rushed for a franchise-record 1,860 yards, and Eli Manning passed for 3,762 yards, the 5th-highest total in franchise history.

The Giants signed Diehl to a six-year, $31 million contract in May 2008.

At the end of the 2009 season, Diehl was elected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a Super Bowl Participant replacement.

Diehl was moved from left tackle to left guard following the release of Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara and the signing of David Baas. He had started every game of his NFL career until 2010, when he tore his hamstring and suffered a partially dislocated hip.

Personal
His Croat origins are from his maternal grandparents. His grandfather, Ante Bekavac, emigrated to United States from Lovreć in Croatia, while his grandmother (born Semanić) is from Croatian islands. Diehl has a tattoo of the Croatian coat of arms on his left arm. Diehl stated that his favorite tattoo is his Croatian coat of arms. He visited Croatia in June and July 2011, in search for his roots.

Diehl played at the University of Illinois, and is a fan of the university's former halftime performer, Chief Illiniwek. During player introductions on TV, he states his school as "University of Chief Illiniwek." He also has an image of Chief Illiniwek tattooed on his arm.

Diehl received the Wellington Mara NFL Man of the Year Award May 22, 2012 at the annual Boys Hope Girls Hope Dinner.

On Friday June 8th, 2012, he was honored along with other members of the New York Giants organization at the White House by President Barack Obama for winning the 2012 Super Bowl.

On September 16,2012 Diehl sprained his MCL in a week two matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On February 11, 2013, Diehl admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol and crashing his car in Astoria, Queens in June 2012. He will be under court supervision for six months among other penalties.