According to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, safety Antrel Rolle was ready to leave the Giants after their second loss of the season to the Redskins on December 18th.
Rolle was frustrated with the Giants defense and with defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s lack of adjustments and his roll in the defense as the nickel corner instead of playing safety.
“He kept telling us he wanted out,” said Giants safeties coach Dave Merritt
Rolle was letting out his frustrations by conversing with safeties coach Dave Merritt via text message. There was one message that Merritt sent to Rolle that changed everything.
“Antrel stay the course my young brother! Putting coaching aside you are right where God would have you to be at this point in your life and career,” said Merritt’s text message to Rolle. “Find out through prayer WHY are you here? What lesson is to be learned or who are you supposed to help here on this team or in this area!!! Know that God has US here for a reason & sometimes a season. You may get that chance to leave in the end but WE must finish this season the right way, working unto God & not man!”
“Dave Merritt has helped me a lot. We’ve had a lot of 1-on-1 personal conversations, not anything about football, but about life in general,” Rolle said Thursday. “And he’s also a huge reason why I was able to buy into playing my role as a nickel (cornerback). I was extremely frustrated after the Washington game.”
Since Rolle received that text from Merritt, he’s completely turned around his attitude and has really helped propel the Giants into the playoffs and now into the Super Bowl with his leadership.
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…that’s coaching
…that’s listening