Jason Pierre-Paul: ‘I’m the same JPP as last year’ following fireworks injury

Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has spoken to the media for the first time about the fireworks accident that took his index finger since signing a new contract with the team.

He thanked the team, his family and friends for their support over the past few months as reporters gathered around his locker after Friday's practice. He wouldn't offer much detail about "something I do every year for the kids." and said that he has learned from the incident and has moved on.

He said that his fiancee was "going crazy" after the July 4 incident, which resulted in in his thumb being severely injured and burning his hand, but he kept calm.

Pierre-Paul signed a one-year deal Tuesday that has a much lower weekly salary than the $871,000 he was scheduled to make as the Giants franchise player. There are incentives in the new deal, but first Pierre-Paul has to get back on the field, and that means showing the medical staff he is ready to go.

He called himself fortunate to be alive and said, "I'm the same JPP as last year." He said he will be wearing a special four-fingered glove on the field.

Coach Tom Coughlin said the Giants have no intention at this point of having Pierre-Paul play against the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday. However, he is considering having the six-year veteran make the trip to get him around a competitive environment.

"As far as going out there, I'm not going to put myself in jeopardy. I'm taking it day by day," PIerre-Paul said of his return.