One of the most special things for New York Giants defense end Jason Pierre-Paul at this year’s Super Bowl will be having his dad at the game, even though his dad won’t be able to watch him play.
“He can’t see at all,” Pierre-Paul said. “You know, he’s just gotta listen to the crowd and the noise, you know. I don’t know where they’re going to be seated or whatever, but it’s going to be great. I know he’s going to enjoy it.”
Pierre-Paul was drafted as the 15th overall pick in the 2010 draft. He played in all 16 games in his rookie year last season, and thanks to a few injuries to veterans this season, had twelve regular season starts and has become one of the most feared defensive ends in the league.
He became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal in the same game on December 11th against the rival Cowboys. Pierre-Paul was named to the First Team All-Pro despite not being on the ballot this year. Pro Player Insiders caught up with Jason Pierre-Paul as he was preparing for the Super Bowl in Indianapolis.
PPI: How special is it to have your father coming to the game?
JJP: You know, it’s special, you know. Being that he can’t see at all, he doesn’t know what’s going on. You know, he’s just gotta listen to the crowd and the noise, you know. I don’t know where they’re going to be seated or whatever, but it’s going to be great. I know he’s going to enjoy it. He’s going to be there with my mom next to him and my little sister…my whole family’s going to be here. It is a great opportunity, you know, to bring them to the Super Bowl, because you never know. It’s a once in a chance opportunity to be here, man.
Q: What about the rule changes to better protect the offensive players?
JJP: The rules are the rules. And you have to protect the quarterback. I think…I strongly agree to the rules on hitting the quarterback in the head. You know, I’ve been called a couple of times, probably twice, on illegal contact. You know, and it’s a rule. You still gotta play within the rules and try to get to the quarterback, know what I’m saying? You know, no matter what the rules are, don’t let it stop you from getting to the quarterback. You just gotta play within the rules and everything will be fine.
PPI: Jason, You Down With JPP? Has that made it on to your pre-game playlist yet?
JJP: I haven’t really gotten that song on my iPod yet. You know, if I do listen to it, I go on YouTube play it and listen to it.
PPI: What songs are on that list when you’re getting ready for the game?
JPP: Ballin’ by Jim Jones. I got a whole bunch of stuff, you know what I mean. But I just try to get ready in my own vibe and each player has got an individual way of getting ready and, you know, that makes them have a feel for the game. Some people like to be loud, some people like to be quiet. You know, I’m more the type of quiet type. I like to see what’s around me. Everybody react to certain things.
PPI: Do you have any superstitions; in terms of like, right sock first or anything like that before the games?
JJP: Oh no. You know, I don’t feel superstitious. I just think…I mean, I dress a certain way before the game. I just like to look fly (laughs).
Megan McLauglin contributed to this piece.
