Justin Tuck Retires, Takes Final Bow

Justin Tuck announced his retirement on Facebook and Twitter today. The 11-year veteran played nine seasons as a member of the New York Giants, notching 60.5 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, 6.5 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions in 127 regular season games with Big Blue. In 10 playoff games, Tuck registered 5.5 sacks with 4 of those coming in the two Super Bowls against the New England Patriots. He also contributed 2 points on a safety thanks to the hit on Tom Brady that forced the quarterback into an intentional grounding and later hurt Brady’s non-throwing shoulder.

His announcement along with reactions are below…

"After months of praying and careful consideration, I have decided to retire from the game of football. I’ve had 11 great years and honestly I leave with very few regrets. I’m thankful to my family and close friends for their unwavering support. My beautiful wife and kids have dedicated their lives to being my closest support system and I’m eternally grateful. I want to thank the New York Giants and the Oakland Raiders for giving me a place I could call home all of these years. The Mara, Tisch, and Davis families, I’m forever in your debt. To my coaches: thanks for having me ready at every stage – the Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, you name it – thank you for teaching me about professionalism, preparation, and the pursuit of perfection. To my teammates: thank you for always going to battle with me each and every gameday, but more importantly, thanks for being my brothers for life. And lastly, the FANS. What an incredible environment you’ve created for me over the years to call a workplace. You all have been so supportive of me and my family, and without you I would have no game to play. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This isn’t a good-bye, my family and I will continue our charitable work with Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy and we look forward to continuing to give back to communities that have given so much to us. God Bless.Posted by Justin Tuck on Monday, February 1, 2016"

Drafted by the New York Giants in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Tuck would become a 2-time Pro Bowler (2008, 2010) and 1-time First-Team All-Pro (2008). Before retiring, Tuck was 18th on the list of active sack leaders with 66.5, he’s now 89th on the all-time sacks leaderboard.

In 16 games against he Washington Redskins, Tuck had 15 sacks, by far the best against a divisional opponent. He had 7.5 sacks in 17 games against the Dallas Cowboys, and 7.5 in 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

His “Approximate Value” of 66 places him 23rd on the Giants career leaders list just a spot ahead of former teammate Osi Ymenyiora and is only the 4th highest player of value drafted in 2000 or beyond, behind Eli Manning, Chris Snee, and David Diehl.

Tuck was known for his signature bow after a big play…

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… and his memorable speech before Super Bowl 46.

Here are highlights from his 2011-12 season:

Sit back and enjoy this E:60 feature on Justin to really understand how legendary his path to greatness was:

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Thanks, big guy. Robert Ayers might be the last Giants to wear your number. We’ll see you in the Ring of Honor.