Justin Pugh is ending his NFL profession in the identical place he began.
The previous Giants offensive lineman introduced his NFL retirement Friday after 11 years, the ultimate of which was within the 2023-24 season when he suited up for Huge Blue one final time.
“Not many gamers get to exit on their phrases, and after 11 years taking part in within the NFL, I’m formally retiring from the league,” Pugh informed the media at Giants coaching camp.
The 34-year-old stated he wished to play yet one more season final yr, however that he “simply didn’t have it within the tank.”
“Began dropping pounds, began feeling good and didn’t wish to do a twelfth yr,” Pugh stated.
“Ended up going to the stands with the followers for my twelfth yr.”
The Giants chosen Pugh nineteenth total out of Syracuse within the 2013 NFL Draft.
He performed his first 5 NFL seasons for the staff earlier than signing a five-year take care of the Cardinals in 2018.
He spent the subsequent 5 years in Arizona earlier than returning to the Giants for his swan music in 2023.
Upon re-joining the staff in October 2023, Pugh turned a viral sensation on “Sunday Evening Soccer” for his “straight off the sofa” introduction in an eventual loss to the Payments.
He appeared in 12 video games in his remaining Giants season.
“Like each little boy, I all the time dreamed of taking part in within the NFL or another sport … and I all the time mimicked that game-winning shot, or that game-winning catch,” Pugh stated. “I undoubtedly by no means deliberate on making a block so Eli (Manning) might throw the ball down the sphere, or Kyler Murray.
“I don’t suppose any little boys are on the market proper now being like, ‘Oh, let me block within the playoffs and make one thing occur,’ however what I spotted was that offensive line was the place that was for me.
“Everybody desires to be that star place, however it’s one thing that actually outlined me, as a person, as a father and as a teammate.”
Pugh was a key cross blocker for Manning early in his profession earlier than blocking for the likes of Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito.
“To the followers, it’s been an incredible journey,” Pugh stated. “Thanks for supporting me.”
