Giants’ Justin Pugh Perfectly Sums Up Feeling of Coming Off Couch to Play in ‘SNF’

The veteran explained what it was like to go from unemployed to starting in a week.

Justin Pugh had a storybook moment for the Giants last week, going from free agent to starting offensive lineman for New York against the Bills. Pugh's sudden elevation to the starting lineup was highlighted early in the game, when, for his Sunday Night Football intro, he mentioned he was from “off the couch” instead of his college, Syracuse.

On Wednesday, Pugh explained why he chose to go with his unique introduction.

“I was a fan last week watching football. How many times can you be a fan watching your favorite team, the New York Giants, then the next Sunday you get to go play for that team on Sunday Night Football? That is a story,” Pugh said. 

"How many times can you be a fan watching your favorite team then the next Sunday you get to go play for that team on Sunday Night Football? That is a story."

- Justin Pugh on the full circle moment of being a fan last week then playing with the Giants pic.twitter.com/8v9ceHbUhV

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 18, 2023

The veteran offensive lineman began his career with the Giants before signing a lengthy deal with the Cardinals. He only played five games last year for Arizona, and entered this season as an unsigned free agent, but got a chance to help repair the Giants’ offensive line issues.

Pugh said he was literally sitting on his couch watching football the week before, which is what made this moment extra special.

“I really came straight off the couch and started on Sunday Night Football, and nobody can ever take that away from me,” he said.