Andre Patterson, the New York Giants new defensive line coach, has an uphill battle ahead. At about the same time, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he is currently battling. Patterson, recently turned 65, continues to coach for his 21st NFL season. He came aboard with the Giants in 2022, working alongside former head coach Brian Daboll. Patterson was diagnosed earlier this year, but he’s chosen to remain involved and active with the team. He decided not to take a leave of absence and continues to coach as he receives treatment.
Patterson has had health issues for a while. Three years ago, he had a major medical emergency that kept him in the Intensive Care Unit for several days. This experience, while tragic, has caused him to view life and his role as coach through a different lens. Patterson decided to document and share his day-to-day battle with cancer. His goal is to shed more light on the disease and underscore the life-saving importance of early detection.
Patterson shares his story to motivate his players. He seeks to inspire those who are fighting and losing the same fight he did. He feels that opening up the floor about how he was struggling can teach wonderful lessons of resilience and strength.
“Stuff happens in life. 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,” – Andre Patterson
Even as Patterson faced his own diagnosis, he has remained truly fierce on the sidelines. In July 2022, shortly after returning to the team, he was spotted using a scooter to get around after using one on and off for months. Through it all, his unwavering commitment has left an impression on his players. Until he chose to publicly address them, most of them had no idea about his recent health struggles.
Roy Robertson-Harris, one of the team’s defensive players, expressed admiration for Patterson’s ability to maintain performance during this difficult time.
“If he didn’t tell us anything, we wouldn’t have known. That’s what kind of dude he is. There’s no drop-off. Like I said, he’s the same guy every day,” – Roy Robertson-Harris
The support from the rest of the club has been clear, with players banding behind their coach. As Dexter Lawrence II put it, “I think we are the ones giving him life,” indicative of the close relationship Patterson has developed with his players.
New York Giants owner John Mara recently announced in September that he is fighting an undisclosed type of cancer. This incredible news makes Patterson’s trailblazing journey — still in progress — all the more significant and important for MLB. The reality of cancer has been a particularly poignant shared experience among the team this year.
Patterson’s backup Bryan Cox would’ve played that role. Now that Patterson rejoined the fold, the defensive line coach’s return has instantly flipped the pendulum back to normalcy’s favor for the team. Patterson opened up about how he overcomes challenges, noting that his impact goes beyond the game.
“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,” – Andre Patterson
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