Justin Tuck wants to return to Pro Bowl level

At one point during the 2011 season, Justin Tuck was playing at such a low level that he declared: “I (stink).” Only he didn’t say stink.

Well, it turns out not everyone agreed. Perhaps he salvaged some of the season in the final six weeks – as all of the Giants seemed to do – but Tuck was named to the NFL Network’s list of the top 100 players in the league. He was unveiled last night at number 62.

“I’m just happy to be on it,” Tuck said as he joined the NFL Network to discuss his status. “I don’t really get involved with ranking myself. Obviously your peers ranked you and you try to go out there and get the respect of those guys. I’m just honored to be a part of it.”

Tuck does realize that he didn’t play up to his most capable level in 2011. Some of that was due to injuries, some due to family losses.

“I hope I go back to those Pro Bowl years,” he said. “That’s what I’m striving to be, I know I have that talent and I don’t want to be one of these guys that you have to worry about being in the lineup. Last year I did miss those games and that’s not me. I like to be on the football field. I’m doing everything in my power to make sure that I’m ready for a long productive year for the New York Giants next year.”