Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul thrilled by return to field
NFL referee Clete Blakeman checks the bandage on New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul's hand before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. Pierre-Paul is playing in his first game since injuring his hand in a fireworks accident during the offseason. Credit: AP / Phelan M. Ebenhack
There still are adjustments to be made by Jason Pierre-Paul, even for the everyday things in life.
Such as getting dressed.
Pierre-Paul had just completed a remarkable return to the football field after recovering from horrific injuries he suffered in a July 4 fireworks accident that left him without his right index finger and parts of the thumb and middle finger.
He had confounded even those closest to him by playing an astounding 46 of 63 defensive snaps on Sunday as the Giants beat the Bucs, 32-18. Although he didn't get a sack, he did provide badly needed pressure on the quarterback while wearing what looked like a large mitten.
He seemed to have an easier time chasing Jameis Winston than he did putting on his silver watch. After slipping it over his left wrist and fiddling with his right hand to lock the clasp, he had to use his lips and tongue to finally get it shut. As he tried to adjust the collar on his pink shirt, it wouldn't fold into place after several attempts. Standing behind him, teammate Markus Kuhn finally folded the collar for him.
Yes, these are challenging times for the Giants' 26-year-old defensive end, but he doesn't seem to mind. Particularly after realizing his dream of making it back in the face of grave doubts, even from those closest to him.
With barely two weeks of practice after signing a one-year contract, Pierre-Paul played for the first time since last season. This was his dream after nearly losing his hand -- and possibly his life -- in the terrifying explosion at his home in South Florida.
Pierre-Paul told some teammates before the game just how important this moment was.
"He was talking to us how you should play every play like it's your last, because it can be taken away from you," Cullen Jenkins said. "Knowing what he's been through and everything he's overcome, it puts everything in perspective for you. He told us, 'It was almost taken away from me. I was at home. Lonely.' "
But Pierre-Paul didn't waver, working out on his own while seeing and hearing the doubts expressed about his chances to return. The doubts often were accompanied by mean-spirited comments about the accident.
"He's had a lot of criticism, but he kept fighting," cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said. "He kept training and he came out here and stuck his hand in the dirt, and it was an unbelievable feeling for him and for us as a team."
Pierre-Paul said there weren't any particularly emotional moments for him, that he was just glad to be back playing football. He was in the same city in which he starred at the University of South Florida, and several family members were in the stands. They included his 10-month-old son, whom Pierre-Paul called a major source of inspiration.
"It feels great," he said. "I'm just happy I'm back out here doing what I love to do.''
Pierre-Paul looked rusty in spots but also flashed his rare athleticism. He was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, when you'd have expected him to wear down in the searing heat and humidity. Leading 23-18, the Giants got a huge stop as Pierre-Paul provided consistent pressure on Winston. The Giants forced a punt from midfield after three straight incompletions.
"I knew it was time to close the game and no matter what, we had to get a stop," Pierre-Paul said. "We definitely made [Winston] uncomfortable."
Pierre-Paul said he wasn't limited by his hand or the equipment required. "It was pretty comfortable," he said. "I practice all through the week with it. I was excited to go with it.''
Pierre-Paul returned to the New York area, content with his world. A final tweet before takeoff said it all. "What a day to be alive," he wrote. "My sons first game and my first game back. Blessed. #90PowerCircle"
That's some way to come back. Good for him.
Bob Glauber retired in 2022 after covering the NFL for nearly 40 years. He was selected in 2021 for the Bill Nunn Career Achievement Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, and is a three-time winner of the New York State Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. President of the PFWA for the 2018-20 seasons, he is the author of “The Forgotten First” and “Guts and Genius.”
