Watch CBS News

Giants' Rolle Reveals He Played Down Stretch With Two Torn Rotator Cuffs

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- After a particularly bad loss to the Redskins in Week 15 last season, Giants safety Antrel Rolle ripped into his teammates for missing practices due to "nicks and bruises."

What we didn't know is he suffered a serious injury to his right shoulder the week before in Dallas.

His other shoulder wouldn't stay healthy for long, either.

Rolle told the New York Post on Sunday that he played with two torn rotator cuffs last year as the Giants made their run to the Super Bowl title.

"There were definitely times where my shoulder felt like it was almost coming out, or if I jumped up to bat a ball down it felt like the worst things I've ever felt," Rolle told the Post. "Yeah, it definitely hurt. I'm not Superman, you know."

The rotator cuff in his left shoulder was partially torn on Dec. 11 in Dallas, Rolle told the Post. One week later, the safety called for his fellow banged-up G-Men to suck it up and get on the practice field.

"There was no coming out, that wasn't an option," Rolle said. "I can't say it and not live by it, that wouldn't be me."

Rolle's second injury was worse, a Grade II tear of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, suffered in the Giants' playoff opener against the Atlanta Falcons, according to the Post.

Despite the pain, the 29-year-old didn't miss a single game down the stretch or in the playoffs. He also wouldn't undergo tests to find out what was wrong while New York was still "All In" for a championship.

"I didn't want to know what it was," he said. "I knew it was something. I know my body. I'm a fast healer, not too many things really bother me."

Rolle told the Post that team docs "suggested" he have surgery to repair both torn rotator cuffs. He instead opted for rehab and said his shoulders are "probably stronger than they were before."

"God forbid, if it has to be an issue, I'm doing the same thing again," he said.

Do you commend Rolle for his toughness, or is he lucky he didn't come away with something more serious? Be heard in the comments below...

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.