On Wednesday, just a few short days removed from his return to the field as an activated practice squad member, offensive lineman Justin Pugh was signed to the New York Giants’ 53-man roster.
For Pugh, it was a full-circle moment. He had returned to where it all started as a first-round pick in 2013.
“I look out there and it’s Von Miller. The last time I played for the Giants was six years ago to the day against Von Miller, Sunday Night Football, when he was with the Denver Broncos, and I had to go out to right tackle on a whim that week,” Pugh told reporters. “So, there have just been so many crazy things that have brought this thing all full circle and I don’t know what it is, there is something in the air.”
Pugh had always desired a reunion with the Giants and after five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, that hope became a reality.
“Look, there was never anything that I wanted to do (more) than sign here. My whole goal was to come here, prove I’m healthy,” Pugh said. “So now, I get to wrap this thing up as a Giant.”
Although Pugh got his wish, it didn’t come without some odd and unexpected interventions. Other teams were reaching out and trying to bring him in but a chance encounter with legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld ultimately sealed Pugh’s fate.
It was always meant to be New York.
“Before I even signed here, I had other options,” Pugh said. “Honestly, this is all Jerry Seinfeld’s fault.
“I was at a restaurant, Torrisi, in New York, like, four months ago over the summer. My wife and I are sitting there with some friends and across from us is Jerry Seinfeld. I hear his voice, and it was the most quintessential New York moment of all time. I remember texting my agent, like, ‘Text the Giants, I want to come back.’ So, really, if it wasn’t for Jerry Seinfeld, I don’t know if I’d be here right now. He’s the greatest. He’s the G.O.A.T.”
At that moment, Pugh knew it was going to be Giants or bust. And then even more stars aligned.
“From that point forward, I knew I wanted to come back here. Everything worked out perfectly. They played in Arizona. They stayed there for a week. I came and worked out 10 minutes from my house. They called me right after that, I fly in here. The way I started, it was just meant to be,” Pugh said.
And just like that, straight off the couch, Pugh is back and starting for the Giants.
