Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey reveals cancer diagnosis

New York Giants special teams cooordinator Thomas McGaughey has been undergoing cancer treatments and plans to remain with the team.

Doctor’s discovered a cancerous growth in McGaughey’s bowel duct earlier this year and removed it. After the removal, doctors found cancer in McGaughey’s lymph nodes. He was diagnosed with periampullary, a cancer that forms near an enlargement of the ducts from the liver and pancreas where they join and enter the small intestine.

McGaughey has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past two months. He doesn’t expect to affect his ability to coach.

“I go down, do my treatment, I come back. That’s what it is,” McGaughey said. “I’m a father and a football coach. That’s what I do.”

The Giants brought back former special teams coach Tom Quinn to assist McGaughey. Special teams was a point of contention last season but the unit already looks better under McGaughey. The special teams highlight of the preseason was a punt return for a touchdown.

“He’s been doing a good job,” head coach Pat Shurmur said. “We brought in Tom Quinn to back him up on those days that are tough days for him. But T-Mac has been doing a great job. He’s got our guys ready to play.”

Giants general manager Dave Gettleman was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He has undergone chemotherapy throughout the summer. Gettleman’s cancer is in remission and he is doing well. McGaughey has used Gettleman as a resource.

“It helps,” McGaughey said. “We share our chemotherapy stories in talking about the medication and all that stuff. We definitely have our conversation. Dave is a great man. It is what it is. We have to fight through it and keep it moving.”

McGaughey will be on the sideline Sunday when the Giants host the Jacksonville Jaguars to open the regular season.

– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL, the New York Giants, and the NBA. Please like and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.