New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck admitted he thought about life without football after having an unproductive and shoulder injury last season.
"After the hardships of last year, I did some soul-searching, and really had to ask myself if this is what I want," Tuck told Steve Serby of the New York Post on Tuesday. "Obviously, I'm back, and I just feel kind of refreshed mentally. I think a lot of things were weighing on me last year where I couldn't necessarily be my normal self on and off the football field. I've kind of put those things in the past now and moved forward."
Along with injuries Tuck dealt with the death of his grandfather and uncle, adding to "several points" in which Tuck thought about walking away.
"Definitely did. I contemplated it," Tuck said. "But, I think that was just me feeling sorry for myself for a little bit there."
Tuck admitted to having talks with his wife to help come to a decision. Even speaking with coach Tom Coughlin with six weeks left in the season, at which point his shoulder injury was so severe he couldn't lift his arm above his head.
"Honestly, just consulted a lot of my family and closest friends, and just realizing this is what I love to do, and I'm not ready to give it up regardless of the hardships," Tuck said. "I think for a little while, like I said, I felt sorry for myself because of the fact that I'm sitting here saying like, 'Why is all this happening to me?' I don't think I was thinking clearly. After winning the Super Bowl, getting away from football for a while allowed me just to think clearly."
The Giants, who are lacking at the defensive line, have to be thankful that Tuck did not decide to retire at the age of 28.
Tuck greatly improves the Giants Superbowl chances as he is one of the most valuable assets of their defense.
