Justin Tuck continues to paint a positive picture as he approaches a new season with the New York Giants.
"For whatever reason it is, I feel more alive in a football sense than I have in a long time," Tuck said at a celebrity golf event on Monday, according to ESPNNewYork.com. "And that is a huge motivation for me this year.
"I don't know if it is last year, or people saying a lot of things around this team and myself," Tuck added. "I don't know what it is. But I am in a good state right now."
With Osi Umenyiora out of the picture and Jason Pierre-Paul uncertain for the start of the season after back surgery, the Giants will be leaning on Tuck to return to form. He managed just nine sacks over the past two seasons as he dealt with injuries and questions about his commitment to the game.
"Football is a draining sport sometimes," Tuck said. "And being in New York City and trying to do as much as I do off the football field, it kind of drains you a little bit and you start to (take) things for granted. Maybe I did. Not on purpose. You just don't even know it until somebody taps you on your shoulder and is like, 'What are you doing?'
"So, my focus is football," Tuck went on. "Family and football. That's it. You won't see me out as much (doing appearances) as I have been in previous years. I have kind of dedicated myself to doing a lot of that this offseason so when football comes in, that is where I am at."
The Giants appear to be comfortable letting Tuck, 30, play out the final year of his contract. Tuck's talking a big game -- we'll see if he can back it up with production.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
