Giants' Pierre-Paul: 'I am still the same JPP' after fireworks accident
Pierre-Paul will not travel with the team for Sunday's game against the Saints but expects to play at some point this season. He said he is still "the same JPP" as last year.
By
Jared Dubin
•
1 min read
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, speaking to the media for the first time since a July fireworks accident that resulted in a finger on his right hand being amputated, told reporters that he is fortunate to be alive but that he is also still the "same JPP," according to ESPN.
"I am still the same Jason Pierre-Paul. Skill set hasn't changed. Probably got even better."
"I am the same JPP that I was last year," he said. "There is not going to be a major adjustment. As far as my hand goes, I will get used to it. I am just fortunate enough to play football again."
Pierre-Paul, who rejoined the Giants earlier this week after signing a heavily incentive-laden one-year deal worth up to $8.8 million, said of the accident, "It wasn't frightening at all."
He noted that while he would not go into detail about what exactly happened that resulted in his injuries, lighting fireworks over July 4 weekend "is something I do every year for the kids. ... It just happened. I did it for six, seven years. I live and learn from it and moved on."
Pierre-Paul stated that he is unsure when he'll return to the field but that when he does, the only special equipment he will have to wear is a four-fingered glove.
The Giants' defense, which has been strong against the run this year but has struggled to rush the passer, could certainly use Pierre-Paul's skill set, whenever he is able to get back on the field. The team takes on the New Orleans Saints this weekend (a game for which JPP will not travel), then follows up with a trip to Tampa Bay to play the Bucs and a home date against the undefeated New England Patriots before going on a bye in Week 11.
