Rookie R.J. McIntosh: ‘It’s an honor’ to wear Jason Pierre-Paul’s number

With the second pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected R.J. McIntosh, a defensive end out of the University of Miami. On Saturday, McIntosh spoke with the media. Here are some takeaways from his time with the media.

On why he is not practicing...

“No, not yet,” McIntosh said. “I’m dealing with a medical condition and I’m being treated for it. I should hopefully be back soon.”

On whether he was disappointed he couldn’t be out there with the team...

“A little bit,” McIntosh said. “It’s all part of the process. I’m just hanging in there, being comfortable around the guys.”

On what he will take away from this weekend...

“A little extra time to learn the plays,” McIntosh said. “Getting mental reps out there, watching the other guys rep it out because I can’t. I’m just excited and ready to be back and be ready to perform.”

On what it means to wear Jason Pierre-Paul’s number...

“To me, it’s an honor,” McIntosh said. “He’s a great player and not that I wasn’t going to work hard, but it’s another chip on my shoulder to have his number. He’s a great player and I want to follow his footsteps and what he’s done in the league so far.”

On whether Pierre-Paul’s game was one he modeled his own around...

“Not really, but like I said, he’s a great player,” McIntosh said. “Hopefully I can follow what he’s done in the league so far and follow his footsteps.”