Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson is opening up about the biggest battle he’s faced this season: prostate cancer.
Speaking recently to ESPN, the 65-year-old coach discussed his diagnosis, which came earlier this year, and how he’s used his own experiences to inspire players in the face of adversity.
“Stuff happens in life,” Patterson said. “Learning those things as a young man is going to help them down the road as they deal with other things that happen to all of us in life’s journey. So that is the way I approach it. I tell my guys all the time, if all I do is teach you how to be a good football player, I’m cheating you. I have to help you with life’s journey. So we talk about things other than football a lot because my job is to also prepare them for what life is going to give them when they are no longer a football player.”
Patterson, who has been with the Giants since 2022, told the outlet “his outlook was positive,” and stayed with the team as he underwent treatment.
Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson Robert Sabo for NY Post
“I think we give him life,” star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said of Patterson. “Obviously that’s not an easy thing to go through, but I think we give him life and he enjoys coming in and helping us get better.”
ESPN reported that a number of Giants players learned of Patterson’s diagnosis in the spring.
Of the decision to speak out about his battle with prostate cancer — which is regarded as “the most common cancer in men in the United States, other than skin cancer, ” according to the American Cancer Society — Patterson implored, “Make sure you get checked.”
Patterson’s revelation comes three months after Giants co-owner John Mara disclosed his cancer diagnosis in September. He did not provide further details.
It’s been another disappointing season in the Meadowlands for the 2-13 Giants.
Currently riding a nine-game losing streak, Big Blue dismissed head coach Brian Daboll in November before relieving defensive coordinator Shane Bowen weeks later.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was elevated to interim head coach.
The Giants visit the Raiders (2-13) on Sunday with the top pick in next year’s NFL draft on the line.