Giants Country

Jason Pinnock Explains How His Dad Kept Him Grounded After Highlight Reel Interception

Jason Pinnock is competing for a starting role in the Giants defense.

Patricia Traina

In this story:

The 2023 NFL season hasn't even begun yet, but if practice plays could be counted for the year-end NFL Plays of the Year award, a strong case could be made for New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock's gorgeous one-handed interception made during Sunday's practice.

But don't expect the 24-year-old Pinnock to rest on his laurels or count on that play alone to secure his status as the new starting safety alongside Xavier McKinney in the Giants defense.

Pinnock's father, Louis, had a gentle reminder for his already level-headed son following all the hoopla about his catch. The elder Pinnock praised his son for the effort but then added that it was all about what he planned to do tomorrow and the day after that. 

“That’s my guy,” Pinnock said with a smile after practice on Monday. “After that catch, he called me and said, ‘Great catch, but it’s about what you do tomorrow. That’s cool and all, but what are you gonna do tomorrow?’ ” 

During Monday's practice, Pinnock, a Jets fifth-round draft pick in 2021 didn't have any viral-worthy plays, but he delivered yet another solid showing working with the first-team defense as he continues to make his case for the starting job.

“I think I capitalized again,” he said, “Just keep stacking good days.”

Still, the interception on a pass thrown by Daniel Jones intended for tight end Darren Waller certainly made it onto the team's nightly film review, even though the play was blown dead since it would have been a sack in live drills.

 Still, the play counts as far as the Giants are concerned. Head coach Brian Daboll called it impressive. And Pinnock himself was amazed when he saw it again on film.

"It was crazier than what I thought," Pinnock said. "It was kind of cross-body. It looked dope; I ain’t gonna lie. I ain’t gonna hype myself up, but it was a hell of a catch."

Hopefully, for Pinnock, the first of many he'll have this year.

Published
Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for over three decades for various media outlets. She is the host of the Locked On Giants podcast and the author of "The Big 50: New York Giants: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants" (Triumph Books, September 2020). View Patricia's full bio.

Home/Big Blue+