Watch CBS News

Antrel Rolle On WFAN: It's Always Heated When Giants Face Eagles

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Let's just say Giants safety Antrel Rolle got wrapped up in the moment.

Rolle made headlines last week when he boasted: "I have handled (Eagles wide receiver) DeSean Jackson one-on-one before, and I don't see why I can't handle him again."

On Sunday, Rolle had his chance to face Philadelphia -- and he ended up getting into a shoving match with Jackson toward the end of the first half.

"You know, it's a heated moment," Rolle told WFAN's Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday. "It's always a heated moment when the Giants are playing the Eagles, and I told him, 'You know, it wasn't intentional. It's tough love.'"

Listen: Antrel Rolle with Joe & Evan

After the very next play, an 11-yard run by LeSean McCoy, Rolle was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Eagles tight end Brent Celek appeared to shove Rolle to the ground during a scuffle. In retaliation, the Giants safety ripped Celek's helmet off.

Rolle said the call could have easily gone either way.

"I think that's the way I see it," he said. "I never complain about a physical matchup. That's something I look forward to, that's something I like. It kept me in the game."

The 15-yard penalty gave Philadelphia a fresh set of downs at the Giants' 11. The Eagles scored to pull within four points of the Giants two plays later.

New York went on to win, 29-16.

"I went up to coach Coughlin at halftime and I was like, 'Coach, I'm good,'" said Rolle. "'Let's go play ball. You know I'm not gonna get myself kicked out of the game. I'm not gonna retaliate anymore. I'm good.' And I think coach Coughlin, he already knew that."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.