New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has been mum about last year’s July 4 fireworks accident which caused him to get his right index finger amputated.
JPP still managed to appear in eight games last season, recording 26 combined tackles and one sack, playing with a mangled hand. He also managed to bat six passes, which led all edge rushers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Pierre-Paul signed a one-year deal to remain with the Giants through the 2016 season, and is set to make $10 million. At 27 years of age, it’s clear this is a make-or-break year for him.
JPP finally opened up about the fireworks accident in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated. He returned to the scene of the accident to tell the story of what happened, saying as soon as he lit the faulty firework, he heard an unexpected “boom!”
EXCLUSIVE: Jason Pierre-Paul relives the July 4th fireworks accident that changed his career.https://t.co/fJ5q1HAhjH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 11, 2016
The Giants pass-rusher said setting off fireworks for kids on July 4 had become routine for him, so he clearly had experience lighting them.