Your teams. Your favorite writers. Wherever you want them. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android.
Last year, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul lost a finger and severely damaged his right hand in a fireworks accident.
Ahead of this year’s July 4 celebrations, Pierre-Paul is warning others of the dangers of playing with fireworks in a PSA from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“In a split second it blew off my whole hand,” Pierre-Paul said of the accident, adding that he feels “blessed to be alive.”
“Now when I look at fireworks I think about safety,” he said before urging the public to keep fireworks away from kids and leave them to the fireworks professionals.
• Jason Pierre-Paul relives explosion that destroyed his hand
Following his accident, the future of Pierre-Paul’s NFL career was called into question. However, the defensive end made his return to the Giants last season, playing in the team’s final eight games wearing a wrap over his right hand.
Watch the full PSA below.
Giants training camp will begin on July 28.