Justin Pugh #67 of the New York Giants gestures prior to a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The 2023 season has largely been one to forget for the New York Giants, but there have been a few good stories along the way. Currently, rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito is the toast of the town. However, before he stepped in for the injured Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor, the feel-good story was the return of offensive lineman Justin Pugh.
A 2013 first-round pick, Pugh spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in East Rutherford before joining the Arizona Cardinals. After five seasons in the desert, he found his way back after a chance workout during the team’s West Coast road trip earlier this year.
Just days after re-joining the club, Pugh was thrust into the unforgivable role of replacing Andrew Thomas at left tackle. To the surprise of many, Pugh played exceptionally well — arguably his best performance of the entire season. Since then, he’s moved around and played wherever the Giants need him, providing a calming veteran presence to a line that although still struggling, has improved.
Whether or not Pugh has played well enough to return in 2024 remains to be seen but if not, the veteran may very well call it a day and hang up his cleats. He does not intend to play for any other team but the Giants.
“For the past few years, I’ve thought this was going to be it and here I am playing in year 11,” Pugh told Talkin’ Giants. “If it works out and I’m back, I’d love to be back. I’m not going anywhere but New York. Like, I’m not going to go play for any (other) team next year. The goal was to end my career with the New York Giants. That’s another reason why I came back — to finish what I started.
“There’s something special about being a New York Giant. I always wanted to be a New York Giant for life. Obviously, that wasn’t in the cards. But I am able to kind of right that wrong in my career — personally right that wrong, for myself. So that’s kind of how I feel this ending for me.” Pugh has never been shy about his love for the Giants organization, and the willingness to sacrifice himself for the franchise has been a staple of his career.
If Pugh is entering the final stretch, Giants fans should let him know how much he’s been appreciated. He certainly deserves that.
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