Ex-New York Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul reflects on life-changing July 4 accident
While celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, friends and neighbors, Pierre-Paul was lighting off professional-grade fireworks as he had done many times before. This time, however, things went awry and one exploded in his hand.
The damage was significant.
Pierre-Paul lost his right index finger and suffered extensive damage to his thumb and middle finger. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent weeks in the hospital. Many believed his NFL career was over.
"In absolutely no way did we think he would play," former Giants vice president of player personnel Marc Ross told ESPN. "He's a medical marvel, really."
While being rushed to the hospital, JPP recalls seeing the insides of his hand and nearly fainting. He pleaded with the doctors not to amputate his entire hand, although they did have to remove what remained of his right index finger.
"I wouldn't want my kids to go through something I went through. ... I learned from it," he told ESPN. "At the end of the day, I'm a big person, but this happened to me. It could happen to anybody.
"So put it out there. What's to be embarrassed about? There's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's just you live and learn from it."
Remarkably -- almost unbelievably -- JPP returned to the Giants that season and appeared in eight games. He spent two more seasons in East Rutherford after that and played another six seasons in the NFL, picking up a second Super Bowl title along the way.
Since his accident, JPP has become an advocate for fireworks safety.
"My message to kids is you never know how life is going to go," he said. "Don't put yourself in a predicament that you're going to regret later."
Although Pierre-Paul didn't play in 2024, he continues to train and wants to return to the NFL. He's sitting at 94.5 career sacks and wants to reach 100 before retiring. Ideally, that would come with the Giants.
"I think that'll be dope. Tremendous," Pierre-Paul said. "To go back somewhere where my career started ... the fans know me and know the type of player that I am. I'll always be that type of player and just give 'em everything I got, which I know it'll be more than enough."
While it's unlikely JPP returns to the Giants on anything other than a one-day contract, his story of perseverance is worth celebrating, as is his impact on the team.
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