Jason Pierre-Paul: A Decade After the Accident, Resilience Continues
Former New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul doesn’t hesitate to talk about the accident that changed his life ten years ago. An incident with fireworks cost him “2½” fingers, but it also taught him valuable lessons that he shares openly. The same determination that led him to accumulate 94.5 sacks in his career is what allows him to face each day, from buttoning a shirt to reflecting on a career that he still hopes is not over.
“I wouldn’t want my children to go through what I went through… I learned from it. At the end of the day, I’m a big person, but this happened to me. It could happen to anyone. So, say it. What is there to be ashamed of? There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You just live and learn from it”.
Jason Pierre-Paul
On the fateful day of July 4, 2015, Pierre-Paul bought fireworks for a party in Deerfield Beach, Florida. While trying to light the last batch, the accident occurred that resulted in the amputation of his right index finger.Despite the uncertainty about his future with the Giants, Pierre-Paul returned to the field in eight games of the 2015 season. He played two more seasons in New York, totaling 16.5 sacks in the three years following his injury.
Marc Ross, former Giants vice president of player personnel, described him as a “medical marvel.” Pierre-Paul continued his successful career, including a double-digit sack season in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Furthermore, after overcoming a neck injury sustained in a car accident in 2019, he won his second Super Bowl in 2020.
The deformed hand has become part of his story, but it doesn’t define him. From being a nobody in college football to being a first-round pick, an All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion, Pierre-Paul shares his experiences with his children, Josiah, Joline, Jacie, and Jason Jr.
“I tell my children, in life, some are born with ten fingers. Some are born with disabilities. Some are born with natural gifts. Having ten fingers is a natural gift. You don’t know how you will be created. You don’t know if you will have trauma or dramatic changes, but you must be prepared.”
Pierre-Paul’s father, Jean, lost his sight shortly after his birth. This experience has given Jason a unique perspective, helping him stay calm after the accident. Now, he focuses on learning from his mistakes and passing that knowledge on to the next generation. His children don’t play with fireworks, and he makes sure they never do.
Pierre-Paul gives talks about the dangers of fireworks. He has been in contact with the cousin of his former teammate, Marcus Peters, who also suffered a similar accident. “My message to the children is that you never know what life is going to be like. Don’t put yourself in a situation you’ll regret later.”
Although he doesn’t regret it, he sometimes wonders what his career would have been like without the accident. Despite not being on a team in 2024, he continues to train in the hope of receiving a call. His goal is to reach 100 career sacks.
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“I can still do it,” says Pierre-Paul, who dreams of returning to the Giants, the team that selected him in 2010. A moment of full circle that, according to him, would be “tremendous”.The accident is a part of his life, but Pierre-Paul remains focused on the opportunity to return and be the best version of himself.
“I have 7½ fingers. You’re still living. You have the opportunity every day to take a deep breath, to savor that drink you want to savor. Drink a glass of milk or have coffee in the morning, whatever you like. You have another chance every day. So, why not be great at what you’re doing?”
