Justin Pugh’s retirement message hits home for a fanbase that never forgot him

There are very few former New York Giants offensive linemen from the last decade that Big Blue fans recall as fan favorites, but one that stands out is Justin Pugh, who had two stints in East Rutherford.

Pugh was drafted by the G-Men in 2013 with the 19th overall pick out of Syracuse University. Although he grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as an Eagles fan, he came to New York, and everything changed.

It’s been almost two seasons since Pugh took the gridiron, and he is calling it a career. The former first-round pick announced his retirement from the league at Giants practice on Friday in front of the media, and his speech should have Big Blue fans grateful for all he gave to the team.

Pugh, who turns 35 in August, announced his retirement from the NFL in front of his family and the Giants’ media. He delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking his coaches, teammates, family, and, of course, the fans, while also sharing his journey to the NFL.

Justin Pugh thanks the Giants organization for a successful career

“I’ve played here six of my 11 years in the NFL,” Pugh said. “Not many players get to go out on their terms, and after 11 years playing in the NFL, I am officially retiring from the league.”

Pugh talked about how he had always dreamed of playing in the NFL, but never planned on blocking for Eli Manning and playing offensive line. He shared that the offensive line was the position best suited for him, defining him as a man, a father, and a teammate.

Pugh immediately became one of the most serviceable linemen after an impressive rookie campaign—despite starting the first half of the season poorly. Out of 644 pass-block snaps in 16 starts, Pugh allowed 43 hurries, gave up five sacks, and three hits, and was later named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

After David Diehl’s retirement following the 2013 season, Pugh became the Giants’ starting right tackle and was later switched to guard, which was Big Blue’s intention for him when they drafted him, after the team acquired Marshall Newhouse.

Pugh would suffer a few injuries toward the end of his first stint with the G-Men and played in East Rutherford until 2017, when he received a well-earned five-year, $45 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

Unfortunately, the veteran lineman suffered several injuries during his time in Arizona, including an ACL tear in 2022, which ended his season after Week 6 and ultimately his tenure with the Cardinals. However, for Pugh, everything came full circle.

In 2023, Pugh was signed to the Giants’ practice squad and would eventually start his first game of the season against the Buffalo Bills on October 15, after which he was signed to the active roster.

He left Giants fans with a laugh after his iconic “Justin Pugh, straight off the couch” moment during the Sunday Night Football introductions.

Big Blue was running out of offensive linemen at the time as several players had been sidelined with injuries, and the team’s depth up front was thin. The G-Men decided to bring back Pugh, who was still looking for work following his tenure with the Cardinals.

Pugh ended his career starting 131 of 132 games in the NFL during his time with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals. He’ll be most remembered for his time with Big Blue.

Although it’s unlikely he will be honored one day in the Giants’ Ring of Honor, Pugh will always be a fan favorite in New York, and Big Blue fans are forever grateful for everything he contributed to the organization.