Editor's note: The above video is from Oct. 21, 2015.
SAN FRANCISCO –- Justin Tuck has called it a career. The 32-year old defensive end announced his retirement on Monday afternoon, concluding an 11-year stint in the NFL that garnered two Super Bowl rings.
Tuck spent his final two seasons with the Raiders, and his last was cut short by a pectoral tear in a Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos. Tuck was a great mentor to budding superstar Khalil Mack and was instrumental in bringing rush end Aldon Smith to the Raiders.
Tuck had five sacks in 2014 and another last season, in addition to a pair of forced fumbles.
[REWIND: Raiders losing captain Justin Tuck 'a tough one']
Tuck had double-digit sacks in four seasons with the New York Giants, where he spent the first four years of his storied career. All told, he had 510 tackles, 66.5 sacks, three interceptions and 22 forced fumbles. He was a key component of the Giants’ Super Bowl winning teams in 2007 and 2011.
“Justin Tuck is a leader and a true professional on and off the field,” head coach Jack Del Rio said in a statement. “His commitment to his teammates and the organization was awesome and he was a pleasure to coach. I wish Justin and his family nothing but the best.”
Tuck was also well known for his work in the community. He was the Raiders’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and quickly endeared himself to the Bay Area with his R.U.S.H. for Literacy program.
He was influential on his Raiders teammates as a team captain, willingly giving knowledge and technique to younger players.
“Justin Tuck has been an invaluable part of the Raiders organization since the day he arrived here,” general manager Reggie McKenzie said in a statement. “Everyone in the building appreciates all that he has done both on and off the field. His leadership in the locker room and mentorship of young players like Khalil Mack is immeasurable. The Raiders wish him and his family the absolute best.”
