Quote:He can thank Tom Coughlin for the nickname.  It was Coughlin's refusal to reveal the severity of his injuries that allowed that nickname.  After the fact, when it was revealed just how serious some of those injuries he suffered were, people ditched the label.  I never understood why people called him that because the guy was tough as nails, and played through a lot.  When he adopted his new training regimen and dietary restrictions, it prolonged his career and allowed him to play effectively despite the injuries. 

 

After reading this article, it's difficult to know when he sustained many of these injuries.  Just because an MRI/x-ray shows a history of broken bones or partially torn labrums, that doesn't pinpoint when they occurred.  He could have suffered these injuries as a kid, in high school or college, or in the NFL.  That's more than likely why he was denied benefits.