Being away from my teammates and the game is tough. I can't do much for the next couple months [following neck surgery for a herniated disk] besides light physical therapy. It's weird.

I just didn't understand what was going on. When I made contact [with the ball], my left arm would give way and I would roll over on the ball, rather than being able to use my power to lift the ball. But after I received a [nerve-root] injection and the strength still didn't come back, [I knew I'd have to have surgery]. I wasn't going to help my team playing like that.

I can't do much of anything right now. I have to let the process of healing take place. I just started doing physical therapy a few times a week, but a lot of that is in my hip right now where they shaved some of the bone to use in my neck. I have the feeling back [in my neck and left arm] and I'm pain-free, so I look forward to a full recovery and getting back out there next year, doing what I do and helping the Rangers win.

You don't have to look like an Under Armour mannequin to be an athlete. A lot of people probably think I'm not athletic or don't even try to work out or whatever, but I do. Just because you're big doesn't mean you can't be an athlete. And just because you work out doesn't mean you're going to have a 12-pack. I work out to make sure I can do my job to the best of my ability. Other than that, I'm not going up there trying to be a fitness model.