New York Giants star Jason Pierre-Paul was one of two NFL players to suffer injuries from fireworks-related accidents this past Fourth of July.
Initially, rumors swirled about the severity of injuries to his right hand. Then some paparazzi-style photos gave us a hint at the destruction.
Now, for the first time, Pierre-Paul is ready to stop hiding it.
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Pierre-Paul and the Giants agreed to terms on a new one-year contract earlier this week. Employment secure, Pierre-Paul then let an Associated Press photographer snap some close-up images of his hand on Friday. They are pretty intense.
Warning: Graphic Images ahead.
Be aware before you go on that the images are very graphic and show some major devastation.
Seriously. We are telling you now.
Just making sure you know.
OK. Can't say we didn't warn you.
Let's take a look.
Pierre-Paul had to have his right index finger amputated.
His middle finger and thumb sustained major injuries as well.
Pierre-Paul said he isn't yet sure when he'll return to field, but that he hopes to not be slowed from the production level that put him among the league's best defensive linemen.
"Hopefully it doesn't," he told ESPN.com of whether the injury will affect him on the field. "I am still the same Jason Pierre-Paul. Skill set hasn't changed. Probably got even better."
He also seems to have the big picture in focus.
"I am the same JPP that I was last year," Pierre-Paul said. "There is not going to be a major adjustment. As far as my hand goes, I will get used to it. I am just fortunate enough to play football again."
Good luck to him.