Justin Pugh is straight off to retirement.
The former offensive lineman, who started 131 games across 11 NFL seasons with two teams, officially retired today as a New York Giant. The 19th overall draft pick by the Giants in 2013, Pugh announced the news in a press conference following Friday’s training camp practice.
He was surrounded by his wife Angela, 18-month-old daughter Joie, mother Carolyn Gavaghan, stepfather Frank Gavaghan, brothers Shaun, Jack and Owen Gavaghan, and sister Jenna Bundy. Also in attendance was former teammate Prince Amukamara, who stood in Pugh’s shoes two years ago when he signed a one-day contract with the Giants.
“Like every little boy, I always dreamed of playing in the NFL or some sport, probably ice hockey actually growing up,” Pugh said. “I’d always mimic that game-winning shot or that game-winning catch. I definitely never planned on making a block so Eli [Manning] could throw the ball down the field or Kyler Murray could do something. I never dreamed of being an offensive lineman. I don’t think any little boys are out there right now being like, ‘Oh, let me pass set and block in the playoffs to make something happen.’ But what I realized is that offensive line is the position that was for me. I was built perfectly for it and something you don’t choose. Everybody wants to be that star position, but it’s something that really defined me as a man, as a father, and as a teammate. So, really, I just wanted to do a ton of thank yous today.”