East Rutherford, N.J. — Former New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul openly reflects on the Fourth of July accident that altered the course of his life and career. Ten years ago, a fireworks mishap cost him “2½” fingers, a loss he embraces as much as his 94.5 career sacks.
In a candid conversation with ESPN, Pierre-Paul expressed how the incident has shaped his outlook. “I wouldn’t want my kids to go through something I went through. … I learned from it,” he stated. “At the end of the day, I’m a big person, but this happened to me. It could happen to anybody.”
The accident occurred during a neighborhood party in Deerfield Beach, Florida, in 2015. Pierre-Paul was lighting fireworks when a delayed discharge resulted in severe injuries to his right hand. Despite the trauma, he managed to return to the field for eight games that season, defying expectations.
From Tragedy to Triumph
Pierre-Paul’s resilience is nothing short of remarkable. After the accident, he had his right index finger amputated, yet he continued to play at a high level. Former Giants vice president of player personnel Marc Ross described him as “a medical marvel.”
In 2018, Pierre-Paul achieved a double-digit sack season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, further proving his tenacity. His efforts culminated in a second Super Bowl victory in 2020, despite overcoming a broken neck from a car accident in 2019.
His story serves as a testament to overcoming adversity. “I tell [my son Josiah] straight up, listen, in life, some people are born with 10 fingers. Some people are born with disabilities,” Pierre-Paul explained. “You don’t know how you’re going to be created. You don’t know in life if you’re going to have trauma or you’re going to have dramatic changes but just be ready for it.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
Pierre-Paul’s father, Jean, lost his sight shortly after Pierre-Paul’s birth, yet he has led a fulfilling life. This perspective helped Pierre-Paul cope with his own challenges. Now, he focuses on imparting these lessons to his children, ensuring they avoid similar mistakes.
“I tell [Josiah] straight up, ‘You got 10 fingers, right?'” Pierre-Paul said. “He says, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Well, you want to stay with them? Once they’re gone, you can’t replace them.'”
He actively engages in speaking events, warning others about the dangers of fireworks. His outreach extends to connecting with others who have faced similar accidents, including the cousin of former NFL cornerback Marcus Peters.
“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.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the past, Pierre-Paul harbors no regrets but occasionally wonders about the career he might have had without the accident. With 94.5 career sacks, reaching 100 remains a personal goal. At 36, he continues training, hoping for another opportunity in the NFL.
“I can still do it,” he affirmed, expressing a desire to return to the Giants, where his career began. “To go back somewhere where my career started … the fans know me and know the type of player that I am.”
As he navigates the next chapter of his life, Pierre-Paul remains focused on the present. “I got 7½ fingers. You’re still living,” he said. “You get an opportunity every day to take that deep breath, taste that nice drink you want to taste.”
His journey from a junior college unknown to an All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl winner is a story of resilience and determination. Through his experiences, Pierre-Paul continues to inspire, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and the importance of learning from our past.
