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Tampa Bay Bucs player posts photo of hand injury as Fourth of July fireworks warning

Jason Pierre-Paul took to Instagram to warn others of fireworks safety. He had to have his right index finger amputated after a fireworks accident during a 2015 Fourth of July celebration.
Credit: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) signs autographs during minicamp at One Buccaneer Place.

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former University of South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul posted a warning about fireworks safety a day before the Fourth of July.

Pierre-Paul suffered a serious hand injury in a South Florida fireworks accident during a 2015 Fourth of July celebration. He had to have his right index finger amputated.

Editor’s Note: The photo in Pierre-Paul’s Instagram post from Tuesday is extremely graphic. It reads:

“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. Please don't feel sorry for me, trust me your boy fine even with missing fingers lol. Be safe out there otherwise, this can be you.”

A year after the accident, Pierre-Paul released a PSA on firework safety.

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Chart: Jason Pierre-Paul's career stats with the New York Giants

The Buccaneers traded for Pierre-Paul in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft from the New York Giants. The two teams also swapped fourth-round picks.

The two-time Pro Bowler has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Giants. He also won a Super Bowl with the team in 2012.

The Giants selected Pierre-Paul out of the University of South Florida with the 15th overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Related: How to stay safe when lighting off fireworks

Previous: Bucs acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in trade

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