New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul's right index finger was amputated due to a fireworks accident, but his career is far from over, according to Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott.
Lott, a four-time Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowler, is speaking from experience - he played for a decade after having the tip of a finger amputated.
The former San Francisco 49ers star advised Pierre-Paul how to excel with the limitation.
"He'll be able to play with it and he'll learn how to deal with it," Lott said Friday on "The Rich Eisen Show," via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. "But the moment of not seeing it, the moment of looking at your hand and looking down and realizing you have that phantom (finger), where you use your finger but you don't see it, there's a lot of things emotionally that he'll have to deal with. He'll have to learn how to understand that it's not there and that there are things that will play tricks on his mind."
The legendary defensive back advised Pierre-Paul to remain positive.
"Man, it will get better," Lott said. “You will be able to function. Don't lose your spirit. Understand that that's not going to impede your greatness. If anything it’s going to enhance your greatness, and you'll find yourself competing at a high level.
"In his case, he will find himself realizing that with 9 1/2 or 9 fingers he can still go to the Pro Bowl."
