cup1688 Jason Pierre-Paul, a defensive end who had a horrific accident three years ago, is ready to start over with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

‘JPP’ Jason Pierre Paul, a famous defensive end, almost had his career ended 3 years ago after an accident while playing with fireworks on the Fourth of July 2015, until there were horrific pictures of the injury on his right hand that were shown in the media, requiring him to heal for more than 1 year and returned to play again last season before moving to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February.  cup1688

Pierre Paul suffered a serious injury to his right hand, which was severely damaged by the blast, exposing tendons and bones, and it was predicted at the time that his career would be prematurely ended. He underwent multiple surgeries and lost 30 pounds before returning to the field with the New York Giants, where he recorded 12.5 sacks last season. 

‘It happened to me, I’m trying to prevent it from happening to others,’ Pierre Paul said.

But the 28-year-old defensive end admitted the effort wasn’t working as he wanted. ‘It didn’t work. There are still people playing with fireworks and losing their hands. I’ve heard of a couple of cases.’

The Giants decided to trade JPP, a fourth-round draft pick and a third-round draft pick in 2018 from the Buccaneers in February, and Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter may have to adjust Pierre Paul’s position next season.

“We’re going to be more intimidating if he’s more of a run-stopper than a thrower. Most rushers can’t run. He’s 280 pounds,” Kotter said.

While ‘JPP’ accepted the head coach’s decision, he said he is a special player who can play any position on the defense. ‘I can play all the way down the line. That’s what makes me special.’

“I want everyone to know that I can still play. If you can’t stop the run, you shouldn’t be a pass rusher,” Pierre Paul said.

The Buccaneers just drafted Vita Vie, a defensive tackle, in the first round, 12th overall, out of the University of Washington to help out Gerald McCoy before Vita suffered a calf injury during training camp. They also bolstered their defense by bringing in two Super Bowl contenders, Beau Allen and Vinnie Curry, from the Eagles, and Mitch Andren from the Chicago Bears. ( cup1688 )