Earlier this week, defensive end Justin Tuck decided to walk away from the game of football. Tuck played 11 seasons for two different franchises, the Oakland Raiders and the New York Giants. How should we remember him?
Justin Tuck was drafted by the New York Giants in the 3rd-round of the 2005 draft, 74th overall. His first season he played in 14 games recording one sack. The next season he appeared in 6 games and didn’t have a sack, the only time in his career this would happen. 2007 he had his first double-digit quarterback sacks with 10. That year, he assisted the New York Giants in winning the Super Bowl. 2008 was his best season with 12 sacks. Tuck would have double-digit sacks two more times in his career. Tuck also help the Giants win another Super Bowl in the 2011-2012 season.
In the 2014 offseason, Tuck decided to play with the Oakland Raiders. The Giants wanted to keep him and gave him an offer but he thought it was less than his value. Tuck accepted a two-year, $11 million deal with the Raiders. Last year, he played in 15 games and had five sacks. This season was a year to forget. He suited up in 5 games and had one sack. Tuck spent most of the year on injured reserved for a chest injury.
On Monday he chose to retire from the game of football. According to Yahoo sports.com, Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie said in a statement, “Justin Tuck has been an invaluable part of the Raiders organization since the day he arrived here. Everyone in the building appreciates all that he has done both on and off the field. His leadership in the locker room and mentorship of young players like Khalil Mack is immeasurable. The Raiders wish him and his family the absolute best.”
Tuck is leaving the game as one of the best defensive tackles to ever play for the New York Giants. His resume speaks for itself. Tuck is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and was voted to the Pro Bowl twice. He was selected on the first team and second team All-Pro once. Tuck ends his career with 66.5 sacks.
Opposing quarterbacks had to see where he was on the defensive line. If he was unblocked, it was an easy sack. If he didn’t get to the quarterback with a sack, getting pressure was enough because that caused hurried passes, which could have been intercepted. There was nothing left for him to prove in the NFL. He may never be chosen into the Pro Football Hall of Fame but still was a feared defensive tackle for his play.
What do you think of Justin Tuck’s career?
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