New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane attended practice on Friday and spent time around the players as the team prepared for Sunday’s road game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gane watched the session and sparred lightly with several Giants, according to Harbaugh. The visit produced one of the lighter moments of an otherwise focused week centered on a division rivalry and various roster situations.

Harbaugh noted that Gane shared a long-standing interest in football.

“He said he always dreamed of being a tight end,” Harbaugh told reporters.

The coach took a moment to evaluate Gane’s hands during the interaction.

“Had to check out his hands a little bit to see how he looked,” Harbaugh said with a laugh. “You never know, that could be the big story. The new free agent.”

The remarks were delivered with clear humor. Practice otherwise stayed centered on the Eagles matchup, with Harbaugh stressing the importance of the division game and the need for discipline in a hostile environment.

Gane’s appearance offered a brief diversion from the week’s more pressing topics, including the status of running back Cam Skattebo (doubtful) and internal roster moves following the release of quarterback Jake Haener.

The Giants continue to treat every practice as preparation for a contest that could influence their standing in the NFC East as they pursue the division as their first goal.