December 24, 2024

Jason Pinnock’s dad keeps Giants safety focused after eye-popping interception

Pinnock #Pinnock

Jason Pinnock claimed his leaping, one-handed interception during Giants practice on Sunday, which promptly went viral, left his teammates “kind of speechless.”

But one person away from the field or practice was able to find words — his dad, who had an important message.

“That’s my guy,” Pinnock said after practice on Monday. “After that catch, he called me and said, ‘Great catch, but it’s about what you do tomorrow. That’s cool and all, but what are you gonna do tomorrow?’ ”

Well, Monday was that “tomorrow” Pinnock’s father preached to him about.

Did he fulfill the challenge?

“I think I capitalized again,” said Pinnock, who is competing for the starting strong safety role entering his second year with the team. “I didn’t go viral again; that’s when the opportunity comes. Just keep stacking good days.”

Jason Pinnock, pictured addressing reporters in November, had an eye-popping interception during training camp.Jason Pinnock, pictured addressing reporters in November, had an eye-popping interception during training camp.Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Pinnock’s interception came on a pass by Daniel Jones intended for Darren Waller, though it was whistled dead as it appeared Dexter Lawrence would have already sacked Jones on the play if they were allowed to hit.

The 24-year-old Pinnock cut in front of Waller and contorted his body while leaping, plucking the ball out of the air with just his right hand.

Head coach Brian Daboll called it “pretty impressive,” particularly when he paused it on film at Pinnock’s high-point in the air and saw how far off the ground he got.

Pinnock agreed.

“It was crazier than what I thought,” Pinnock said. “It was kind of cross-body. It looked dope; I ain’t gonna lie. I ain’t gonna hype myself up, but it was a hell of a catch. … [My teammates] were like, ‘Damn, I didn’t know you had that in you.’ ”

Giants safety Jason PinnockGiants safety Jason PinnockRobert Sabo for the NY Post

Backup center J.C. Hassenauer underwent surgery for a triceps injury that will keep him sidelined “long term,” Daboll announced.

Hassenauer suffered the injury during practice on Sunday.

He signed with the Giants this offseason after playing the first three years of his career with the Steelers.

The Giants’ first fully-padded practice will be on Tuesday.

Jamison Crowder delivered his first notable moment with the Giants.

After being activated off the physically unable to perform list and returning to practice on Sunday, Crowder made a highlight-reel, one-handed catch on the left sideline against safety Bobby McCain during team drills.

Crowder, who was dealing with a calf injury, signed with the Giants this offseason and is in a deep competition among the team’s crowded slot receiver group to make the team.

Leave a Reply