Michael Strahan theoretically passed the leadership torch on the Giants defensive line to Justin Tuck when Strahan retired, but the FOX analyst thinks his old teammate needs to become more vocal.
“At some point somebody has to stand up and be vocal and not worry about hurting feelings, only worry about getting results and maintaining respect from the guys,” Strahan told the New York Post. “That’s what a leader does. They have to find somebody.”
Fair enough. Strahan talked to Tuck about it last week and said he doesn’t doubt Tuck will step into the role. Although, then, he does doubt Tuck.
“You can’t make somebody do something they may not want to do. He can do it and he probably doesn’t want to do it. The thing is, if you’re a star player in New York City and you’re going to get all the perks of being a star . . . and you want to be treated like a star then you need to be one.
“The reluctance I don’t understand,” Strahan said. “To me, if you want to win, you’ll do whatever is required for you to win.”
We doubt Tuck could have said anything to save the disastrous ’09 Giants defense, but his position group will have to put the team ahead of individual goals.
With Osi Umenyiora possibly coming off the bench and Jason Pierre-Paul added to the mix, it may be difficult to keep all the Giants defensive linemen happy.