How Jason Pierre-Paul Surpassed Expectations Following 2015 Fireworks Accident

This July Fourth marks seven years since then-Giants star defensive end and outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul nearly lost his right hand in a fireworks accident. 

He was left without his index and middle fingers along with a part of his thumb. 

Many wondered if the two-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl winner and All-Pro player would ever play football again.

Yet, just a week after the incident, David Chao of our panel of Pro Football Docs penned a column in the National Football Post explaining why he believed Pierre-Paul would return to form. 

As Dr. Chao wrote seven years ago, the loss of the index and middle fingers would not significantly impact Pierre-Paul’s ability to rush the passer and tackle. The two most important fingers for grip remained — his ring and pinky fingers. 

Ultimately, Pierre-Paul did prove he could still be a valuable asset to his team. 

In 2016, Pierre-Paul finally looked like his pre-injury self. The Giants rewarded him with a four-year, $62 million contract extension in 2017.

Pierre-Paul has continued to find success, helping the Buccaneers two seasons ago secure their first Super Bowl win since 2002.

It was Pierre Paul’s superior level of talent that allowed him to continue to be successful in the league. From 2016 to 2021, the former first round pick recorded 209 solo tackles and 48.5 sacks. 

During the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl winning season, he tallied 9.5 sacks, 55 total tackles, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. The pass-rusher was named to the Pro Bowl that year, an accomplishment that many did not see coming five years earlier.

Others with similar hand injuries have not been as fortunate. 

Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson was forced to retire following a fireworks accident during that same July Fourth weekend in 2015 where he lost his middle and index fingers on one of his hands.

While Pierre-Paul is currently a free-agent, he has surpassed everyone’s expectations. Since the blast, the 33 year old has appeared in firework safety videos showcasing his right hand as a warning of what could go wrong with fireworks.