New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul lost his right index finger and two other digits in a gruesome fireworks accident last summer. His injury forced him to miss eight games last season and put a strain on his relationship with the organization.
This year, however, he won't require the protective club he wore on his hand in 2015. This, he says, will help him return to his previous Pro Bowl and All-Pro form.
"I am the player I used to be," Pierre-Paul said Tuesday at the first day of New York's voluntary minicamp. "Just a couple injuries here and there, but I'm all right. I'll be better than I was."
JPP registered just a single sack last season after recording 12.5 in 2014. Instead of the club, Pierre-Paul will use a special glove that will enable him to do things that he was unable to do last year.
"I knew I was going to need surgery after the season - that's the reason I played with the club," he said. "But now, I'm past that. I'm looking forward, and I'm hitting the bags normal, I'm grabbing normal - I'm not even limited, so it's a straight shot from here."
Also helping matters is Pierre-Paul's claim that he "dropped a couple pounds" in the offseason, though he did not provide any specifics. During yesterday's workout, JPP was said to be working on the left side rather than his normal right position. The switch won't impact the way he prepares or the way he plays, according to the 27-year-old.
"Seven years in, I've played both sides," he said. "I'll be on the right, I'll be on the left. I've played both, so it's really not a big problem."
Pierre-Paul also noted that being present at minicamp will help him hit the ground running this season. Last year, he declined to participate in the team's offseason workouts as he angled for a new contract. This year, he is signed to a one-year deal and is happy to be with his teammates.
"I missed the whole offseason last year," he said. "I was still working out, but it would have been better for me if I was here, getting to know the system and everything - it's very important. And I'm glad that I'm here this year."
