LIVINGSTON – Former New York Football Giants linebacker Clint Sintim will join the University of West Alabama football coaching staff for the duration of the 2013 season as part of the National Football League Players Association Coaching Internship Program.

A second round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, Sintim played three seasons with the Giants and was a member of the 2011 Super Bowl Champions. The University of Virginia graduate had his professional career cut short by two torn ACL knee injuries and retired in 2012.

“I have done my research on the program at West Alabama and am looking forward to using this opportunity to learn from a great staff to make myself a better coach,” Sintim said. “I am also looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned and experienced with our Tiger players.”

The NFLPA, NFL, NCAA and American Football Coaches Association created the coaching internship program in 2006. It is part of an initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers.

“We are looking forward to having Clint on our defensive staff,” UWA head coach Will Hall said. “Being awarded this internship from the NFL and the NFL Players Association is a huge honor for our program.

“For them to choose us from all the programs that applied is another indication of the growing positive perception of our program,” Hall said. “We’re talking about adding a University of Virginia graduate, which speaks for itself, plus a second-round draft pick and a Super Bowl champion to our staff. What more can you say?”

Sintim was the highest-drafted linebacker for the Giants in 29 years and finished his NFL career with 33 tackles and one sack.

He and quarterback Rhett Bomar were the two picks the Giants received from the New Orleans Saints in exchange tight end Jeremy Shockey.