New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has more on his mind this week than preparing for Sunday’s football game. His brother, John Coughlin, passed away in a tragic accident on his way home from New York’s week two loss to the Broncos.
John Coughlin was at the Giants’ game last Sunday supporting his older brother. After the game he stopped for a couple of beers with friends and decided it was be smart to take a taxi home.
When he never made it home, his longtime companion, Suzanna Malloy, gave John a call. The cab driver answered and told her, “You better get down here!” John reportedly tripped after paying his cab fare and hit his head on the ground .
The combination of Coughlin’s head injury and prescription blood thinners caused swelling and he was placed on life support.
The next day Tom Coughlin was in Hackensack at his brother’s side. Sadly his brother passed away and Tom was left with a decision to leave the Giants on bereavement, or come back to work.
Tom chose to go back to work. As he stood in front of his team he addressed the passing of his brother by saying, “that time on this earth is precious and don’t allow yourself to think otherwise.”
The Giants then went back to business.
John Coughlin wasn’t a football coach. He made his career in horse racing and owned his own stable business. He and Tom were very close.
Tom Coughlin will find time to mourn. For now he will use football to distract himself. The Giants enter week three 0-2, and travel to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers Sunday. It is critical for New York’s playoff chances to win.
My thoughts and sympathies go out to Tom Coughlin and the his entire family for their loss. Here’s to hoping the Giants can win one for their coach this weekend.