New York Giants
ustin Tuck became the tenth player drafted in the third round by the New York Giants (#74 Overall) during the 2005 NFL draft
Tuck had a marvelous 2010 season making his presence well-known with 11.5 sacks, 76 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. Tuck was also a member of the 2011 Pro Bowl team, which makes that his second appearance in the NFL’s annual All-Star game. Tuck kicked off the 2009 season strong as Week 1 NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Finished the 2009 season with 6 sacks and 59 tackles. Recorded a career-best 12.0 sacks during the 2008 season en route to Pro Bowl honors. Notched a game-high 2.0 sacks along with 6 tackles and 1 forced fumble in the Giants stunning win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Major contributor on the Giants defensive line that led the NFL in sacks (53) during the 2007 season. Posted 10 sacks and 65 tackles in 2007. Finished his Notre Dame career with a school-record 24.5 quarterback sacks. Also set a single-season Notre Dame record with 13.5 sacks in 2003. Voted the Irish’s Most Valuable Player in 2004.
Tuck will be a fixture on the Giants defensive line for the foreseeable able future as he inked a five-year contract extension that will keep him in New York through 2013.
Tuck’s dominant performance in Super Bowl XLII led to serious attention from major media outlets: In the days following the game, Tuck appeared on the CBS’s “The Early Show”, MTV’s “TRL”, ESPN’s hit radio show “Mike & Mike” and Fox Business Live among others.
Kellyton, AL, or better known as “Tuckville”, is home to Justin’s 150 family members who make up a good portion of the 700-person population. Tuck is one of seven children and many of his relatives live on his street. In fact, the Tucks account for 80 names in the local phone book.
Justin’s unsurpassed work ethic can be traced back to his parents who instilled a blue-collar mentality at an early age. Tuck’s mother, Elaine, worked at the nearby Russell Athletic Company clothing mill in Tallapoosa for 30 years. Justin followed in his mothers footsteps and also worked at the Russell mill while growing up.
Tuck’s philanthropic passion is helping children overcome literacy. He and his wife Lauran have developed a program for the children in his hometown community in Alabama as well as underserved children in New York. Tuck’s program donates money and thousands of new books to children to help instill the ideals of reading at an early age.
