On WFAN: Emotional Antrel Rolle Says He Can't Be Replaced In Giants' 'D'
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Antrel Rolle was a weekly guest with WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts during his time with the Giants -- and his spots were must-listen radio.
The safety was always entertaining, insightful, passionate and funny with Joe & Evan. This week, the three-time Pro Bowler signed with the Chicago Bears. On Friday afternoon, he hopped on the midday show to say goodbye to the radio duo and Giants fans, and reflect on his time in New York.
As expected, he didn't disappoint.
Antrel Rolle
Rolle said that many teams showed heavy interest, but a message from God ultimately helped make the decision for him. He was looking for a sign, and he got one. On Monday morning, at 4:33 a.m., the veteran received an email on his phone. It was an Orbitz alert, promoting discounted fares to Chicago.
That sealed the deal for the spiritual Rolle.
"I'm like, 'Wow,'" he said. "You know what I mean? And it just hit (me). I never question God's plan for me, man."
As for the Giants, the 32-year-old has nothing but love for his former franchise and his ex-teammates. He said leaving New York was one of the hardest things he's ever had to do.
But he remains as confident as ever, and is positive that the Giants will miss his presence.
"Antrel Rolle cannot be replaced in that defense," he said while fighting his emotions. "But you can get someone to go in there and play ball and make plays, and be a hell of a player. Two-hundred percent. I don't doubt that. But an Antrel Rolle will never be replaced in that secondary."
Rolle, who played for the G-Men from 2010-14, was the Giants' defensive captain. He was named to two Pro Bowls with New York, was a two-time All-Pro selection and was a key member of the Super Bowl XLVI championship team.
He said that despite his new Bears uniform, he'll be a Giant for life. And he'll never forget the Big Blue faithful.
"I want to thank the fans out there in New York and New Jersey," Rolle said. "There are no fans like you across the world. No one travels like you guys. Win, lose or draw, you all are tough fans. And that's fine, we need tough fans. I can't tell you how much you all have meant to me in my last five years here.
"It doesn't matter what uniform I'll be wearing on Sunday. I have New York tattooed on my chest. That isn't going anywhere."
