NFL Draft weekend is always a good time to take 15 minutes to remember #38 John Tuggle.
If you're old enough to remember John Tuggle, you'll want to watch this. (It likely won't be the first time.)
If you're not old enough to remember John Tuggle, you really need to watch this.
The Irrelevant Giant - (
New Window )
The Giants had a weird spate of players developing cancer in the mid-80s. First Doug Kotar, then Tuggle, then Karl Nelson, all within four years or so.
And of course, Doug Kotar, Dan Lloyd, Troy Archer all tragic losses. There was also an up and coming lineman in the early 80's we had who was killed in a car accident. Wish I could remember his name- Kevin something? I think he was a center...
And let's not even talk about the the freak accidents!
I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining. The guys who passed (and their families and friends) were the ones who lost out, not me. Still, makes you wonder if the Giants as an organization aren't snake bit to some degree.
It was a huge loss, Belcher was considered a rapidly improving young lineman. The Giants were very lucky that they were able to immediately pick up Bart Oates from the USFL to take over as starting center in 1985.
It was a huge loss, Belcher was considered a rapidly improving young lineman. The Giants were very lucky that they were able to immediately pick up Bart Oates from the USFL to take over as starting center in 1985.
Greg, thanks for correcting me. Yes, it's been so long, my memory was vague. I do recall he was highly regarded at the time.
Great photo, btw.