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          NFL Nation

          Justin Tuck shares how he tried, and failed, to outwork Tom Coughlin

          • Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Staff WriterJan 5, 2016, 02:08 AM
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              Ohm Youngmisuk has covered the Giants, Jets and the NFL since 2006. Prior to that, he covered the Nets, Knicks and the NBA for nearly a decade. He joined ESPNNewYork.com after working at the New York Daily News for almost 12 years and is a graduate of Michigan State University.
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          On a day when several former and current New York Giants paid tribute to Tom Coughlin on social media, Justin Tuck opted to share a story about his former Giants coach, who stepped down Monday after 12 years on the job.

          On his Instagram account -- therealjustintuck91 -- Tuck recalled how he tried to outwork the tireless Coughlin.

          As I sit back and reflect on Coach Tom Coughlin, I remember all the one on ones in your office talking football, game plan, etc. I think back to when I was named captain and I used to try and beat you to the facility. I would get there at 6, you where there. I got there at 530 and you were there. 5 am... I knew I would beat you then.. NOPE YOU WERE THERE. I remember feeling the hood of your car and it was cold. Come to find out there were nights you slept in the office. No one worked harder, no one demanded more and I LOVE YOU for it. I chose this picture for one reason and one reason only. Everyone knows you for your dedication to your team and how intense you are on the football field. But I will remember you for helping me become a man and challenging all of us to be better husbands and fathers and men. You did it the right way Coach. And you might be retiring from coaching but I'm sure this isn't a goodbye. That's not in your nature. #halloffame #5minutesearly #areyoush*ttingme

          A photo posted by THEREALJUSTINTUCK91 (@therealjustintuck91) on

          Tuck, who played nine seasons for Coughlin before signing with the Oakland Raiders in 2014, shared a photo of Coughlin greeting the defensive end's son after a practice.

          "I chose this picture for one reason and one reason only," Tuck wrote. "Everyone knows you for your dedication to your team and how intense you are on the football field. But I will remember you for helping me become a man and challenging all of us to be better husbands and fathers and men."

          Tuck emphasized that point Monday night in a text message to ESPN: "If I was going to say anything (about Coughlin), it would be that his legacy as a person is far superior to his legacy as a coach."