Who is John Tuggle? Meet the Giants player who inspired 'Mr. Irrelevant' movie image
The gridiron will find a home on the silver screen on Christmas Day.
"Mr. Irrelevant" is the latest in a long line of football-related films that examine the lives of football stars cut down far too soon. The picture, slated to come out on Dec. 25, will offer insight into the life and times of one of the unheralded stars from the Giants' otherwise unremarkable 3-12-1 season, a running back whose influence on the organization still lingers 40 years after his untimely passing.
With that, here's what you need to know about "Mr. Irrelevant" and the man who it revolves around, John Tuggle.
MORE NFL WEEK 2:
What is the movie Mr. Irrelevant about?
"Mr. Irrelevant" is a biopic about John Tuggle, a former Giants running back who was selected with the final pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. A star at Cal, Tuggle emerged as a key piece on New York's special teams during his rookie season before being diagnosed with cancer during the offseason.
Directed by Jonathan Levine, "Mr. Irrelevant" takes a deeper look at Tuggle's life. The film is set to be released in theaters on Christmas Day.
Mr. Irrelevant movie trailer
Here's a look at the "Mr. Irrelevant" movie trailer.
Who was John Tuggle?
Tuggle was a running back on the Giants' 1983 roster. Selected with the final pick in 1983, Tuggle wasn't expected to find much success at the NFL level.
He proved a quick learner, though, swiftly establishing himself as one of New York's most consequential players on special teams. Tuggle captured Special Team Player of the Year honors in his lone season in the Big Apple. He also found the end zone, dancing through the mire to score against the Eagles while being deployed at fullback in relief of the injured Rob Carpenter.
Tuggle was dealt a tragic blow during the offseason ahead of his sophomore campaign. First, he was ruled out for the year after suffering a serious knee injury. Later, he was involved in a minor car crash with some of his Giants teammates. Tuggle felt severe pain in his shoulder — far exceeding what he would expect due to the wreck. His teammates advised him to go see a doctor. He was soon diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
What happened to John Tuggle?
Tuggle continued to push on despite his diagnosis, readying for the 1985 season in impressive fashion, reportedly lifting a 350-pound barbell with a clean and jerk, according to The New York Times.
“He didn’t just keep working out,” Carpenter told The New York Times in 2013. “He was making strength gains. It was amazing.”
Tuggle never played another game for New York. He remained on the Giants' roster until 1985, when his contract expired. The Giants continued to pay for his health insurance after his deal ran out. However, Tuggle's commitment to improve wavered following the end of his NFL career.
“He needed football, that was his life force,” Carpenter said. “Not going to the facility every day was tough for him.”
Tuggle moved back to his native California, telling a former college teammate that he wanted to die there. He underwent experimental cancer treatment in San Diego and Tijuana before dying in his sleep on Aug. 30, 1986. Tuggle was 25 years old.
"I can still see his eyes, you know what I mean?" former New York head coach Bill Parcells told Giants.com in 2020. "It's like it was yesterday. Those last few minutes I spent with him are really some of the most powerful periods in my life. They really are."
The Giants honored Tuggle's memory by sporting a sticker adorned with his No. 38 during their 1986 Super Bowl run.
“It helped the Giants reach their final destination,” Carpenter said.
John Tuggle cause of death
Tuggle died of respiratory failure brought on by angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that spread to both of his lungs.
John Tuggle cancer type
Tuggle was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a cancer that develops in the lining of the blood vessels and lymph vessels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The cancer can occur anywhere in the body, but most frequently manifests in the skin on the head and neck. Angiosarcoma is a rare cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, affecting one in every one million people. Angiosarcomas constitute between 1% and 2% of all sarcoma diagnoses. The illness is most common among people above the age of 70, although it can affect people of all ages.
Tuggle was one of several New York players diagnosed with cancer in the years leading up to his death. Running back Doug Kotar died of a brain tumor in 1983, while offensive tackle Karl Nelson and linebacker Dan Lloyd recovered from their diagnoses.
Mr. Irrelevant movie cast
Here's a look at the actors tasked with bringing Tuggle's story to life 40 years after his passing:
Actor Role
David Corenswet John Tuggle
Isabel May Katie
Michael Shannon Bill Parcells
Tuwaine Barrett Leonard Marshall
David Krumholtz Whitey Horai
Tandi Wright Anita Faye
Ella Newton Stephanie Tuggle
John Tuggle 30 for 30
Tuggle was the subject of a 2013 30 for 30 short, aptly titled "The Irrelevant Giant." Directed by Shaun Silva and Don Lepore, the film examines Tuggle's career, featuring interviews with a variety of people close to Tuggle, including Parcells.