Giants DL coach Andre Patterson has battled cancer during season - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson battled this season through prostate cancer, the veteran assistant told ESPN.

Patterson was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and several players said they found out back in the spring. He remained with the team while he underwent treatment.

The longtime assistant told ESPN he was feeling better and his outlook was positive. Patterson said he was open to making his illness public because he wanted to promote prostate cancer awareness and the need for early detection.

«Make sure you get checked,» he said.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. It is usually detected early, and often grows slowly. Most people with prostate cancer are cured, the website claims.

Patterson, 65, is in the midst of his 21st season as a defensive line coach in the NFL. He has most recently been with the Minnesota Vikings and Giants. He came to New York along with former head coach Brian Daboll in 2022.

Patterson had a separate medical issue three years ago that forced him to spend several days in the Intensive Care Unit. He coached from a scooter for several months when he returned to the team.

He declined to take a leave of absence after being diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year. Former assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox did fill in the few times it was necessary.

It was Patterson's decision to continue on through treatment.

«I think we give him life,» veteran defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II said. «Obviously that's not an easy thing to go through, but I think we give him life and he enjoys coming in and helping us get better.»

It has been a rough season for Patterson and the