Tuesday, June 5, 2012

NY Giants' rookie can't practice until he gets work visa

Markus Kuhn was the New York Giants final pick of the draft and they are still waiting to see what the former North Carolina State defensive tackle can do on the practice field at the OTAs.

The 6-foot-4, 302 pound giant was in uniform for for the team's organized team activity, but didn't participate.  And it wasn't because of the lacerated leg that kept him out of rookie minicamp a couple of weeks ago— it's because he can't.

Kuhn, a native of Germany, isn't an American citizen and is waiting for a U.S. work visa.



Kuhn said the Giants were aware of his situation when he was taken in the seventh round.  It takes takes anywhere between two weeks and six months to receive— and he is still waiting.

"This just takes a little bit with bureaucracy," the 26-year old rookie said.  "It just takes a second. But it's nothing crazy.  It should come in any day, but until then we have to wait because I can't work."

Meanwhile, Kuhn can't participate in any on-field activities as an employee, but can and has taken part in the classroom portion of the OTAs.

Kuhn was a 21-year old freshman with little American football skills when he arrived at NC State.  He claims he chose the Wolfpack because their nickname is similar to his father's name— Wolfgang.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has called rookie behemoth a "gym rat" and "big, strong and tough."



Kuhn applied for a work visa that will be valid for five years, although he could get one for ten years.  Either way, until it arrives, he can only watch the other players get a head start on the field. And that could be tougher for him— especially with a team loaded with quality defensive linemen.

"It's so strange.  It never happens, but it is what it is," Kuhn said.  "I can get it any day now."


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