DE Jason Pierre-Paul
April 20, 2017
Q: What was this offseason like for you? The whole franchising and signing?
A: Typical offseason for me. Just no plan, working out. Trying to get better.
Q: Was there any doubt that you were going to get the contract done?
A: I wasn’t worried about that. My play took care of itself and we finally got something done. Now, I just worry about football.
Q: When it did get done, what was your reaction?
A: OK. It was OK.
Q: Does it change in your mind now that there is a huge commitment in you?
A: I’ve been here eight years, man. I’m a vet. I know the game and know how to play the game. Teach the young cats. It was the same way when I came in and I was looking at (Justin) Tuck. I have to teach the young cats, the rookies that are coming in and the other rookies from last year. Make sure they play, help the team get better and help the team win another Super Bowl.
Q: How do you feel coming off your surgery?
A: I feel good. I’m walking and I’m running. I’m here at OTA’s participating in every activity that they have. I’m OK.
Q: How special is it to you to continue your career with the Giants?
A: I’ve been here for the long run. It looks like I’m going to retire a Giant. Not yet though.
Q: Do you think there is enough here to be legitimately considered to make a run?
A: I think if we put in the work, be consistent, do what the coaches tell us, we have a very good chance of getting there again and actually getting to the Super Bowl. That’s the goal. Everyone starts OTA’s thinking that we’re here to put the trophy in the case. That’s what we start to do right now. I think if we do what coach asks and we’re consistent, we’ll get there.
Q: When you were watching the game in Green Bay, the pass rush wasn’t as good as it is when you’re out there. Were you thinking that at all?
A: No. I was just upset with myself. You can’t predict injuries. That’s one thing you can’t do. I felt that I would’ve helped tremendously out there, but I couldn’t be out there to help my team.
Q: You had so much success last year and now most of the guys are back. Because of that continuity do you feel that you guys could get even better this year?
A: We’re here to just get chemistry. That’s what we have OTA’s for and training camp. Guys have to know how guys play with each other. Every year you come in there’s something different that you have to work on. There’s something different that I have to work on. That’s why we’re here. To get good chemistry with each other. We know how each other rush. You bond with your teammates. We’ll get there.
Q: Is this locker room comfortable with being potential Super Bowl contenders?
A: Like I said before, if we put in the work, we should get back to the playoffs. Hard work beats talent. I live by that. You put in the work, we should get to the playoffs.
Q: There are people that think this team can be special.
A: You put in the work, you’ll get to the playoffs.
Q: How do you replace Hankins?
A: It’s next man up. Hank was a good player. I understand his situation. He did what’s best for his family. I had a brief talk with him. Hank’s a good guy. I watched to see him grow here as a player and as a man. I had some great times with him. He moved on. Next man has to step up. Jay (Bromley) and Robert (Thomas), even the other guys they bring in. They have to step up and fill that void. We’ll do the best we can to help them out, teach them to get after the quarterback and stop the run. We’ll be alright.
Q: Was that disappointing to lose him?
A: It’s not disappointing. It’s a business. Just like you report and tell stories. If you don’t have a good report nobody is going to listen to you, right? It’s a business. You have to understand that.
Q: Do you pay much attention to the draft?
A: I don’t pay much attention to it. I’m just hoping that the guys that we draft can come in and help us right away. That’s the big thing here. Even as a rookie, rookies can help too.
Q: Do you feel that way about the offensive moves you have made?
A: I don’t worry about the offense. They do their thing and we’re going to do our thing.
Q: Do you feel like this year, in your game personally, you’ll be able to do as much as you’ve ever been able to do?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you feel that going into last year?
A: I felt that I was just getting warmed up. Like I said, you can’t predict injuries. I was just starting to get on a roll. I’m over the hump, still rehabbing and trying to get better. Once I get over that hump, I’ll be good to go. I’m set.
Q: Was anything related to overuse?
A: No, I don’t think it was overuse. I know my body. It wasn’t overuse. Me personally, I can play every snap that I can. It is what it is. This is football. I love playing football. My son understands it now. He says, ‘Dada, football?’ I’m on the football field running. It wasn’t an overuse thing. It’s just something that happened.
Q: What does the loyalty the organization has shown to you mean to you?
A: It means a lot. I’ve been here eight years and I’m still going. It means so much. For everything I’ve been through, they stood behind me. I’m here.
Q: There were some reports that Dallas was interested in you. Was that ever serious?
A: Yes. A lot of teams were interested in me I’m pretty sure. I’m here. That’s the most important part.
Q: Are you going to be OK for minicamp and training camp?
A: We’ll see.
Q: Are you still restricted?
A: I don’t know. I’m just out here doing whatever I can. As of right now, I’m doing whatever I can to help the team. That’s all.
Q: What surgeries did you have?
A: I had two abdominal and two groin surgeries.
Q: That was a little more extensive than you thought?
A: Yes.
Q: Was it two different times?
A: Four things at one time in one surgery.
Q: What’s your message to Giants fans about how good this team can be?
A: To the Giants fans, we’re going to put the work in this year and try and put the fifth trophy in the case. I know we fell short last year, but it was great to be back in the playoffs. We’re trying to get back to the playoffs this year. Let’s roll. We need the fans and all the support we can get. I’m ready to roll and so are my teammates with me.
Q: You said last year that you don’t view yourself as a leader. Is that the same now?
A: I lead on the field. That’s just me, period. I’m still the same Jason. I lead on the field.
Q: That hasn’t changed?
A: That hasn’t changed. I’m starting to be a little bit more vocal. A little bit.
Q: Do you feel that your best days are ahead of you?
A: Yes, definitely. I think the best is yet to come. Like I said, I love this game. I wouldn’t trade anything for it. Still blessed to be playing this game. I’m just ready to bring it. I feel much better. My weight is 265. I think I’m going to play at that weight. I came in at 290 my rookie year. 290 to now.
Q: What did you play at last year?
A: Last year I played at 275.
Q: What’s the advantage for you?
A: I’m quick. Faster and stronger.
Q: Why’d you want to do that?
A: I’m older. When you get older, you can’t stay the same. You can’t eat the same. You have to change. Football consists of changing. You have to change things to get better. That’s what I’m doing.
Q: Did the team suggest it?
A: No, I did.
Q: (Michael) Strahan lost weight at the end of his career. Did you ever talk to him about that?
A: No, not really. I never heard that. I guess I’m doing the right things.
Q: Since you’ve been here, it’s been an opener with Dallas every year. Do you like that and would you like to see that again?
A: Me personally, I don’t care who we play the home opener. We’re just trying to win as many games as possible to get where we want to go. No matter the opponent we have to play, we have to knock them out one by one. We can’t just jump ahead of ourselves. We’re going to take it one by one. Whoever we play first. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the Cowboys. It’s always them.
Q: Have you set a goal for this defense?
A: There’s no goal. Like I said, it’s just the consistency we have to have. We have to come out and work hard. Guys are doing that now. At the end of the day, we have to come out here and work hard. We have to be relentless. That’s what we’re doing.
