Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, who had part of a finger amputated during the 1986 season, told Rich Eisen of Friday that there will be "a lot of pain" for Jason Pierre-Paul following the amputation of his right index finger, but that the defensive end "can still go to the Pro Bowl."
Lott said his own amputation, in which he lost a portion of his pinkie finger after injuring it multiple times, was "one of the craziest things I've ever felt."
"Most people when they think of injuries, there's pain and then there's pain. Any time you get hurt around the foot or the hand the pain is much different," Lott said.
"When you go through all of that there's just so much pain. And then the pain of learning how to play with it. Learning how not to play with it. Learning the things that you can do and the pains of struggling with it. All those pains to me are the things that make it really challenging."
Lott told Eisen he has not reached out to Pierre-Paul, but did offer some long-distance encouragement.
"It will get better, you will be able to function, don't lose your spirit," Lott said. "Understand that's not going to impede your greatness and if anything it's going to enhance your greatness and you'll find yourself competing at a high level."
More JPP Headlines
Giants' quarterback Eli Manning called Pierre-Paul's situation "unfortunate," but said he is "wishing him all the best."
NFL.com's Adam Schein says that for the Giants "it's time to say goodbye" to Pierre-Paul.
Gary Myers of the Daily News agrees with Schein.
Former sports agent Joel Corry offers a thorough breakdown of the options relating to Pierre-Paul's contract.