Jason Pierre-Paul puts out a PSA on fireworks safety a year after his July 4 accident [Video]
Jason Pierre-Paul is a lucky man, and he knows it.
He is still able to enjoy life with his young son and was able to resume his NFL career as a defensive end with the New York Giants, even after losing the index finger and part of the thumb on his right hand following a July 4 fireworks accident last year.
“I’m just truly, truly blessed to be alive,” Pierre-Paul said in a Consumer Product Safety Commission public service announcement on fireworks safety.
The PSA – which made its debut Thursday morning, just in time for the July 4 holiday weekend – shows a close-up of the former Pro Bowler’s right hand, missing digit and all. It’s a gruesome reminder of what happened a year ago and how things could have been much worse.
“I lit up a firework, thought I could throw it away real quick. In a split second, blew off my whole hand right there,” Pierre-Paul said. “When we got to the hospital, all I could do is think about my son and was I going to make it.”
After a long recovery, Pierre-Paul was finally able to play for the Giants midway through last season. He started all eight games but only recorded one sack.
His safety tips in the video are “keep fireworks away from kids” and leave professional fireworks “to the fireworks professionals.”
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