Departing defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul posted an emotional goodbye on Instagram, thanking the New York Giants for eight years of memories.
With his trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers official, Jason Pierre-Paul has bid farewell to only professional sports town he has called home.
The defensive end posted a heartfelt photo and caption on Instagram, praising his time with the New York Giants, who drafted Pierre-Paul with the 15th overall selection in the 2010 NFL draft.
Pierre-Paul’s photo, featuring the lineman clad in the Giants throwback uniform, comes from the Giants’ December 2017 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
At eight seasons, Pierre-Paul was the longest tenured Giant on the roster, save for quarterback Eli Manning and long snapper Zak DeOssie. Along with linebacker Mark Herzlich, he was one of four leftovers from the Giants’ last Super Bowl squad in 2012.
He left his mark on the Giants’ all-time stat book, ranking fourth in forced fumbles (13, tied with Mathias Kiwanuka), seventh in sacks (58.5), and 19th in tackles (309). He is also one of four Giants defensive linemen to score multiple touchdowns.
Pierre-Paul’s perseverance likewise will not be soon forgotten. After severely injuring his hand in a Fourth of July fireworks accident in 2015, leading to the amputation of his right index finger, Pierre-Paul fought his way back to the field, returning to the field to play the final eight games that season.
Giants fans weren’t shy to show their appreciation on social media.
A #Giant thanks to Jason Pierre-Paul for his contributions with the team.
A true warrior who embodied what it meant to be a New York Giant. Team wouldn’t have won Super Bowl 46 without him.#NYG pic.twitter.com/JY73ZqNyDK
— Ryan Disdier (@ryandisdier) March 22, 2018
december 2011 in a must win game in dallas texas, Jason Pierre-Paul played a game of his life, and blocked a field goal and the rest is history
thank you for everything JPP good luck in the bay #OnceAGiantAlwaysAGiant pic.twitter.com/gpX4F9HHoE— chris ?? (@Manning2Beckham) March 22, 2018
Dear Jason Pierre-Paul,
Your dedication to the city of New York won't be forgotten. 2011 was a legendary season with an amazing Super Bowl to cap it off. None of it would've been possible without you.
Thank you
All the best,
-A lifelong Giants fan— B-Cunz (@bran090799) March 22, 2018
Fans and media of the Giants’ NFC East rivals, on the other hand, were excited to see Pierre-Paul depart.
Jason Pierre-Paul has 12.5 career sacks against the Redskins. That won't be too much of an issue any more.https://t.co/vOmINA8FCU
— NBC Sports Redskins (@NBCSRedskins) March 22, 2018
It will be an emotional journey for Pierre-Paul, who will return to his home state, as well as Raymond James Stadium, the site where he played his home games at the University of South Florida.
