Latest news with #Pierre-Paul
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Chargers RB Najee Harris Injured in 4th of July Fireworks Accident
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former New York Giants Pro Bowl pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul became a cautionary tale for all NFLers back in 2015 when he injured himself in a fireworks accident on the 4th of July. Pierre-Paul set off a firework in his hand, resulting in the amputation of his right index finger plus the partial loss of his right thumb and middle finger. He had to play the second half of 2015 (he made his season debut in Week 9) with a giant club-shaped cast on his right hand. "I carry myself differently," Pierre-Paul told Sports Illustrated of what he took away from the accident. "I look at things differently. I try not to put myself in horrible situations anymore. I have a lot of people depending on me—even people I didn't know depended on me. "... I could dwell on it, like, [expletive], I wish I had that finger, but when I look in the mirror, I'm happy. Thank the Lord—it could have been worse." More NFL: Ominous Browns Prediction Signals Bad News for Shedeur Sanders Ever since Pierre-Paul's incident, the NFL has taken 4th of July safety much more seriously, annually warning players of the dangers of tempting fate. But despite the number of warnings and precautions the NFL sends out to its players, there's bound to be a few slip ups. Enter Najee Harris. Najee Harris #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs a route during the Los Angeles Chargers offseason workouts at The Bolt on May 12, 2025 in El Segundo, California. Najee Harris #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs a route during the Los Angeles Chargers offseason workouts at The Bolt on May 12, 2025 in El Segundo, 27-year-old tailback, who signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers after spending his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was involved in a 4th of July accident of his own, according to his agent Doug Hendrickson, though his was fortunately nowhere near as severe as Pierre-Paul's. "Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees," Hendrickson said, via ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season." More NFL: Caleb Williams Is Already Better Than $55 Million QB, Says NFL Analyst Fortunately for the Chargers, Harris' eye injury doesn't appear to be serious enough to put him at risk of missing any part of the 2025 season. Per Fox Sports, the Contra Costa Fire Protection District shared over the weekend that five people were injured in a fireworks-related accident, with one of the five victims listed in serious condition. According to that report, four of the injured were taken to the hospital and the fifth person later went to the hospital.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Former NY Giants Star Makes Strong Statement on Possible Comeback
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jason Pierre-Paul's career with the New York Giants took an unexpected turn during the 2015 offseason. As the star pass rusher celebrated the 4th of July holiday, he ended up dealing with a career-altering injury, which sidelined him for a while. Pierre-Paul's incident wasn't career-ending. In fact, he continued playing for years after, despite dealing with a constant setback. He even continued to produce at a high level throughout his post-Giants era. Pierre-Paul didn't play at all during the 2024 NFL season. When he suited up for the New Orleans Saints in 2023, he appeared in just one game. While it might be assumed his playing days are in the rearview, the veteran recently revealed that he's still training and waiting on a potential comeback. Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey."I can still do it," Pierre-Paul told ESPN recently. If Pierre-Paul can make it back to the New York Giants for a second stint, he would be thrilled. "I think that'll be dope. Tremendous," he added. "To go back somewhere where my career started ... the fans know me and know the type of player that I am. I'll always be that type of player and just give 'em everything I got, which I know it'll be more than enough." Coming out of South Florida in 2010, Pierre-Paul was drafted by the Giants with the 15th overall pick in the first round. In the five years leading up to the incident, Pierre-Paul accounted for 285 tackles, 73 hits on the quarterback, and 42 sacks. When he returned to the field in 2015, Pierre-Paul appeared in just eight games. He added one sack and 26 tackles to his resume. For the final two years of his run with the Giants, Pierre-Paul combined 121 tackles, landed 29 hits on the QB, and collected 15.5 sacks. In 2018, Pierre-Paul was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent four seasons there, registering 171 tackles and 33 sacks. Since his run in Tampa, he had short stints with the Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, and the Miami Dolphins. It's unclear if Pierre-Paul will get a chance to suit up again at 36 years old after spending the last season off the field, but the veteran defensive lineman is confident he can get back out there and produce at a high level. He hopes the Giants see that and bring him in to finish his career there. For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
NBC Sports
04-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
10 years after fireworks accident, Jason Pierre-Paul hopes to rejoin Giants
Ten years ago today, a fireworks mishap changed the life of Jason Pierre-Paul. He lost 2.5 fingers, and his football career was in jeopardy. He returned to play, and to play well. Now, after a season out of football, he hopes to continue his career in the NFL. More specifically, he wants to play for the Giants again. 'I think that'll be dope,' Pierre-Paul recently told Jordan Raanan of 'Tremendous. To go back somewhere where my career started . . . the fans know me and know the type of player that I am. I'll always be that type of player and just give them everything I got, which I know it'll be more than enough.' Although he played nine seasons after the injury (winning a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2020, to go with the one he won with the Giants in 2011), Pierre-Paul wonders about what might have been. He has 94.5 career sacks. But for the injury, he surely would have cracked triple digits. And made more money. And earned more accolades. Pierre-Paul now spends time warning others about playing with fireworks. 'My message to kids is you never know how life is going to go,' Pierre-Paul told Raanan. 'Don't put yourself in a predicament that you're going to regret later.' He also realizes that, despite having only 7.5 fingers, he's still alive. Which fuels him. 'You get another chance of it every day,' Pierre-Paul said. 'So why not be great at what you got going on?' He's right. Whatever it is, get the most out of it. And take reasonable steps to protect your ability to do so. Especially today. Avoid the fireworks. If you must indulge in them, light the fuse and get away. And do not mix alcohol and fireworks. Ever. The temporary thrill is hardly worth a permanent injury. Or worse. Every year, there's an inevitable news story of someone who was alive on the afternoon of July 4 being dead by the morning of July 5 — specifically because of fireworks.
USA Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-New York Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul reflects on life-changing July 4 accident
10 years ago to the day, then-New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul made a mistake that changed his life. While celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, friends and neighbors, Pierre-Paul was lighting off professional-grade fireworks as he had done many times before. This time, however, things went awry and one exploded in his hand. The damage was significant. Pierre-Paul lost his right index finger and suffered extensive damage to his thumb and middle finger. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent weeks in the hospital. Many believed his NFL career was over. "In absolutely no way did we think he would play," former Giants vice president of player personnel Marc Ross told ESPN. "He's a medical marvel, really." While being rushed to the hospital, JPP recalls seeing the insides of his hand and nearly fainting. He pleaded with the doctors not to amputate his entire hand, although they did have to remove what remained of his right index finger. "I wouldn't want my kids to go through something I went through. ... I learned from it," he told ESPN. "At the end of the day, I'm a big person, but this happened to me. It could happen to anybody. "So put it out there. What's to be embarrassed about? There's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's just you live and learn from it." Remarkably -- almost unbelievably -- JPP returned to the Giants that season and appeared in eight games. He spent two more seasons in East Rutherford after that and played another six seasons in the NFL, picking up a second Super Bowl title along the way. Since his accident, JPP has become an advocate for fireworks safety. "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." Although Pierre-Paul didn't play in 2024, he continues to train and wants to return to the NFL. He's sitting at 94.5 career sacks and wants to reach 100 before retiring. Ideally, that would come with the Giants. "I think that'll be dope. Tremendous," Pierre-Paul said. "To go back somewhere where my career started ... the fans know me and know the type of player that I am. I'll always be that type of player and just give 'em everything I got, which I know it'll be more than enough." While it's unlikely JPP returns to the Giants on anything other than a one-day contract, his story of perseverance is worth celebrating, as is his impact on the team.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Two-time Super Bowl champion believes he still has gas left in the tank for NFL return in 2025
Jason Pierre-Paul, a two-time Super Bowl champ, aims for an NFL return in 2025, declaring he's in top shape. (Credit: USA Today Sports) Jason Pierre-Paul eyes NFL comeback in 2025: "I'm Ready to Rock Right Now" After sitting out the entire 2024 NFL season, veteran edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is looking to turn the page and make a triumphant return to the gridiron in 2025. At 36 years old, many might expect the two-time Super Bowl champion to hang up his cleats, but the former Pro Bowler insists he's far from done. In fact, according to Pierre-Paul, the fire inside him is burning brighter than ever.'I still got it. Whoever gives me that opportunity, they will see,' Pierre-Paul told TMZ in a recent interview. 'Last year I didn't get a chance to play. It was disappointing, but like I say this is a business. When people feel like they don't need you, you gotta show them.'Despite his absence from the field last year, Pierre-Paul has been far from idle. He's been grinding relentlessly in the gym with his trainer, Mike, aiming to recapture the form that made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. 'I'm in the gym 24/7… I feel like the young 24 (years old) me. I can't say 21. I'm down to 270 pounds. I got abs. I haven't had abs since my rookie year,' he said with a smile. 'Anybody that gives me that opportunity, I'm ready to go and I'm ready to rock right now. They'll be like, 'Yo, why wasn't he playing last year?' And that's what I want them to say.'Pierre-Paul last played a full season in 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens, where he tallied 26 tackles, three sacks, and an interception over 14 games. In 2023, he had short stints with both the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins, though neither team retained him for his 13-year career, JPP has built a solid legacy. Drafted in the first round by the New York Giants in 2010, he made a name for himself early, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2011 and 2012. His first Super Bowl ring came in 2011 with the Giants, and nearly a decade later, he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secure their championship in 2020 — a season that also saw him named to the Pro Bowl once his recent stats may not reflect his prime — with just 5.5 sacks from 2021 to 2023 — Pierre-Paul brings unmatched playoff experience and leadership to any locker room. His 94 career sacks and reputation as a high-motor competitor speak for no denying that the road ahead will be challenging. Age and limited recent game time could deter some teams from making the call. But for franchises looking for a seasoned veteran with championship pedigree and something to prove, JPP could be the ideal low-risk, high-upside a team takes a chance on him remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jason Pierre-Paul isn't ready to close the book on his NFL journey just Read: 'Stop calling me someone's ex': Kayla Nicole moves beyond Travis Kelce's shadow and the Taylor Swift narrative
