Jason Pierre-Paul’s Description Of Hand-Mangling Explosion Is Terrifying

Jason Pierre-Paul’s life literally flashed before his eyes on July 4, 2015, when a firework the New York Giants defensive end was attempting to light exploded, mutilating his hand and putting his NFL career in jeopardy.

Now, JPP can’t help but be appreciative for what he has in life, even if his hand is mangled and his bank account isn’t quite as luxurious as it might have been had he stayed healthy and had another Pro Bowl season with the G-Men.

“I carry myself differently. I look at things differently,” Pierre-Paul told Sports Illustrated of the accident in an article that will appear in the April 18 issue. “I try not to put myself in horrible situations anymore. I have a lot of people depending on me — even people I didn’t know depended on me.”

Pierre-Paul’s positivity is refreshing. His drive to continue his football career is inspiring. But Pierre-Paul’s account of the moment he realized he blew off most of his hand is nothing short of terrifying.

“I’m looking at my (right) hand and I’m seeing every ligament,” Pierre-Paul told SI. “You only see this stuff in the movies.

“You see all your ligaments, your tendons, everything,” he added. “I saw how the hand really is without skin on it.”

Pierre-Paul isn’t shy about sharing photos of his mangled hand, for better or worse. We’ll spare you the horror of viewing those photos, but just know they’re not pretty.

Then again, neither was that fateful night.