Justin Pugh writes thank you note to Giants fans
Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh celebrates after defeating the Broncos on Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. Credit: AP / Jack Dempsey
Justin Pugh’s career with the Giants never produced many victories, but he always seemed to be able to hit the right notes when speaking publicly about himself, his teammates, his injuries or just about anything else.
Now that he is a former Giant, having signed a five-year, $45- million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, Pugh took one more rep at what he does best and penned a “thank you” note, which he posted on Instagram on Wednesday.
“I want to thank you,” he wrote to New York and New Jersey. “Thank you for accepting a Philly boy onto your team and into your community. This city raised me from a young naive kid right out of college into the man I am today. They say if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere. We’re about to put that to the test in Arizona.”
He went into specifics, thanking Giants ownership and coaches. He also thanked the organization for drafting him 19th overall in 2013 out of Syracuse.
“Never in a million years did I believe I would be playing in the NFL, let alone be able to play for one of the best organizations in football,” he wrote.
He went on to thank his teammates over the past five seasons — “from Giant legends I met my rookie year to the young guys that are still on the team now, that brotherhood will last forever” — and the staff at the Giants’ facility from the cafeteria to the training room to the office workers.
“Lastly the fans!” he wrote. “You guys have stuck with me and have had my back since the day I was drafted. I wish we could have had more success in my time in New York, but you all have made me and my family feel welcome . . . Now it’s time for me to head out west. I can’t wait to start this next chapter with the Arizona Cardinals but will always be grateful of my time with the Giants.”
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
