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Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 30, 2026

Giants’ Justin Tuck Considered Retirement After Last Year

Justin Tuck thought about retiring after the 2011-12 season, but ultimately decided football was still in his heart.

EAST RUTHERFORD NJ - OCTOBER 17: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17 2010 in East Rutherford New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Tuck
EAST RUTHERFORD NJ - OCTOBER 17: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17 2010 in East Rutherford New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Tuck
EAST RUTHERFORD NJ - OCTOBER 17: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17 2010 in East Rutherford New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Tuck
Getty Images

New York Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck almost retired last year.

Don’t believe me? Ask him. The Giants’ standout told the New York Post that he considered hanging up the cleats after the 2011 campaign, according to Big Blue View.

“After the hardships of last year, I did some soul-searching, and really had to ask myself if this is what I want,” Tuck said. “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.”

When asked specifically if he was thinking about retiring, Tuck didn’t mince words.

“Sure. Definitely did. I contemplated it,” Tuck said. “But, I think that was just me feeling sorry for myself for a little bit there.”

Giants fans are certainly happy to have Tuck in the fold, as he and his teammates will attempt to defend their Super Bowl crown.

For more on the Giants, please be sure to check out our blog Big Blue View along with SB Nation New York and SBNation.com for all the latest news an updates.

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