Justin Tuck achieved Super Bowl glory twice during his 11-year career, and both times it came at the New England Patriots’ expense. But the former New York Giant and Oakland Raider gave his former big-game adversary some credit Wednesday during an NFL Network appearance.
Tuck, who announced his retirement Monday, played a crucial role in the Giants’ successful defensive game plan against the Patriots in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. However, the defensive end was happy to match wits with Bill Belichick and Co. on the NFL’s biggest stage.
“Tom Brady brought the best out of us,” Tuck said on NFL Network’s “NFL Total Access.” “I give credit to the Patriots because they were a worthy adversary. We just played better those nights, and that’s part of it — any given Sunday.”
Another Patriot, Rob Gronkowski, played flick football and talked about the Pro Bowl right before Tuck appeared on the show. And Tuck threw a few compliments his way, too.
“Gronk’s a beast,” Tuck said. “He’s one of those players — he’s going to have fun, but he plays the game with all that passion and that’s one of the reasons why he’s the best to do it.”
Click to see Tuck’s NFL Network Interview >>
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images