Jason Pierre-Paul warns about the dangers of fireworks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul wished everyone a happy and safe Independence Day on Wednesday by sharing a picture on Instagram of the hand he nearly obliterated in a fireworks accident three years earlier.
'It's been 3yrs since my accident and I can truly say I'm very blessed and fortunate to be where I am in life,' Pierre-Paul wrote in the caption alongside the horrifying shot of his burnt, mangled hand that was left without its index finger and most of its thumb and middle finger. 'Looking at these pictures seems unreal and crazy. How your life can change in the blink of an eye.'
Pierre-Paul, 29, used the anniversary to warn about the dangers of fireworks.
Pierre-Paul's hand was nearly blown completely off during the 2015 fireworks accident
Pierre-Paul plays with a custom glove and still ranks among the NFL's better defensive ends
Despite his injuries and his advancing age, Pierre-Paul remains one of the NFL's most respected pass rushers. He now plays for his native Tampa Bay Buccaneers
'One of the greatest American traditions in celebrating 4th of July is with fireworks,' he wrote. 'Unfortunately, tomorrow someone will be injured playing with fireworks.
'We are celebrating the birthday of our great nation. I'm glad to still be alive to show you the outcome of what happened to me. Please don't feel sorry for me, trust me your boy fine even with missing fingers lol. Be safe out there otherwise, this can be you.'
Pierre-Paul's story was nearly a tragedy.
After five seasons with the New York Giants, the former Super Bowl champion and All-Pro was a free agent in the summer of 2015 when he was permanently injured in the fireworks accident. In addition to having his right finger amputated, the former University of South Florida star also needed multiple skin grafts on his hand and arm.
Jason Pierre-Paul eventually had one finger completely amputated
A friend sped through traffic in Pierre-Paul's native Deerfield Beach, Florida, where he received emergency treatment before undergoing surgery four days later. He ultimately spent nearly three weeks in the hospital, losing nearly 30 pounds during that time, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Giants had an outstanding offer for Pierre-Paul on the table at the time of the accident, but naturally had second thoughts afterwards. Ultimately, with the team near the bottom of the NFL in sacks over the first few weeks of the 2015 campaign, Pierre-Paul was given a one-year deal.
With has hand wrapped in a cast, Pierre-Paul returned to play eight games before returning to the Giants again in 2016, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 12 and ultimately playing well enough to secure a new four-year deal.
Nowadays Pierre-Paul plays with a custom glove on his right hand, and he insists he's still as capable as he's ever been.
He has since been traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.