Three years ago on the Fourth of July, Jason Pierre-Paul's life changed. He's now focused on ensuring it doesn't happen to anyone else.
On this year's Fourth, he shared a graphic image on Instagram of his hand from the hospital. Warning: the image may be disturbing.
The former Giants star accompanied the photo with a heartfelt message.
"It's been 3yrs since my accident and I can truly say I'm very blessed and fortunate to be where I am in life. Looking at these pictures seems unreal and crazy. How your life can change in the blink of an eye. One of the greatest American traditions in celebrating 4th of July is with fireworks. Unfortunately, tomorrow someone will be injured playing with fireworks. We are celebrating the birthday of our great nation. I'm glad to still be alive to show you the outcome of what happened to me."
Pierre-Paul doesn't want your sympathy, he just wants you to be careful.
"Please don't feel sorry for me, trust me your boy fine even with missing fingers lol," Pierre-Paul wrote. "Be safe out there otherwise, this can be you."
Pierre-Paul, 29, had 68 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 16 games last season for the Giants. He was traded to the Buccaneers for a third-round (69th overall) and fourth-round (108th overall) picks in 2018. The Giants also sent a 2018 fourth-round draft pick (102nd overall) to the Bucs.
Pierre-Paul had 433 combined tackles, 58.5 sacks, and 13 forced fumbles during his eight seasons with the Giants.