Justin Pugh, a former offensive lineman with 131 starts over 11 NFL seasons, has officially retired as a New York Giant. The announcement was made during a press conference following the Giants’ training camp practice. Pugh was accompanied by his family and former teammate Prince Amukamara.
Reflecting on his career, Pugh said, “Like every little boy, I always dreamed of playing in the NFL or some sport, probably ice hockey actually growing up.” He expressed gratitude for his role as an offensive lineman, saying it defined him as a man and teammate.
Pugh played four seasons with the Giants before spending five years in Arizona. He returned to the Giants in 2023 and started a game against Buffalo just days after joining the practice squad. Recalling this moment, he stated, “After 10 years, I thought it was over,” but added that returning to play for the Giants felt special.
In his first game back against the Bills, Pugh played all 77 snaps despite moving from left guard to left tackle due to injuries on the team. He remarked, “I could have ended my career after that game.”
Pugh’s final game was on January 7, 2024, against his childhood favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Reflecting on being drafted by the Giants and playing for them, he said it was “a dream come true.”
