Jake Ballard emerged for the New York Giants after Kevin Boss departed for the Oakland Raiders in 2011. In Ballards first season starting the Tight End has become a key late go to guy for Eli Manning. Ballard has caught three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the Giants ahead in games this season and has passed 500 yards receiving. While Ballard was recovering from an ACL injury, the Giants decided to place him on injured reserve. Because they decided to do so during the offseason, NFL rules required that he be exposed to waiver claims before they could do so. New England claimed him off waivers on June 12, 2012. Jake Ballard has hand signed this Official NFL New Duke Football. Steiner Sports Hologram and Certificate of Authenticity.