Justin Pugh has played 11 NFL seasons, yet his biggest claim to fame came Sunday night during player introductions.
And Pugh credits legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld with making his current situation possible.
The New York Giants, desperate for offensive linemen, signed the 33-year-old guard to their taxi squad Oct. 3. Sunday night, he made his Giants debut against the Buffalo Bills. His player introduction became an instant classic.
“Justin Pugh, straight off the couch,” Pugh deadpanned.
"Justin Pugh, straight off the couch." pic.twitter.com/0V1aCHLsGz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 16, 2023
That sense of humor and comedic timing probably made Seinfeld smile. Wednesday, Pugh credited the comedian with inadvertently leading him to sign with the Giants. On Wednesday, the team signed Pugh to their active roster with a one-year deal.
“I came here for a reason,” Pugh said. “Before I even signed here, I had other options. … Honestly this is all Jerry Seinfeld’s fault. Honestly. I was at a restaurant in … New York about four months ago. My wife and I are sitting there with some friends, and like across from us is Jerry Seinfeld. I hear his voice, and it was the most quintessential New York moment of all time.
“I remember texting my agent, and saying, ‘Text the Giants, I want to come back.’ So really, if it wasn’t for Jerry Seinfeld, I don’t know if I’d be here right now.
“He’s the greatest. He’s the GOAT.”
Justin Pugh says that it's never been a doubt in his mind in regards to joining the Giants, and credits Jerry Seinfeld in aiding his final decision 🤣 pic.twitter.com/dxtLTh6mVD
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 18, 2023
Pugh played his first five NFL seasons with the Giants before going to the Arizona Cardinals. A torn ACL ended his 2022 season and put his career in jeopardy — until that fateful moment when he ran into Jerry Seinfeld.
