Once a Giant, always a Giant
Former New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh is officially calling it a career.
The Giants originally drafted Pugh out of Syracuse with the 19th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Pugh returned to the Giants facilities Friday to announce his retirement from the NFL after an 11-year career.
“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.”
– Justin Pugh pic.twitter.com/IZR0CVR9WJ
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 25, 2025
Despite being knocked in the pre-draft process for his arm length, Pugh had excellent feet and was originally drafted as an offensive tackle. He was named the team’s starting right tackle as a rookie and manned the right side for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
“I remember when I got started, we just kept saying – and this is not just because I grew up an Eagles fan – the effing New York Giants… and then I got here and got a chance to see what it’s like to play for the New York effing Giants. It was a dream come true.”
– Justin Pugh pic.twitter.com/oZ8MMpS20n
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 25, 2025
He proved to be a versatile and reliable blocker, and moved inside to left guard for the 2015 season, where he thrived. Pugh was one of the best guards in the NFL over the next two and a half years, before his 2017 season was ended early by a back injury.
When Dave Gettleman became the Giants’ general manager in 2018, he elected to let Pugh walk in free agency. Pugh signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, which is where he would play until tearing his ACL in 2022.
Pugh returned to the Giants in 2023, coming straight off the couch to start against the Buffalo Bills on October 15th.
“There was something special about putting that New York logo on one more time.”
Justin Pugh talks about his second stint with the Giants: pic.twitter.com/QNn4XlhOG3
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 25, 2025
While Pugh won’t be on the field anymore, he’ll undoubtedly be a fixture in the media landscape. He’ll be a great ambassador for the NFL as a whole, and the New York Giants in particular.
Pugh (and his daughter) ended his press conference on a perfect note:
Justin Pugh brought his daughter to the podium after his press conference pic.twitter.com/6vkSWytPyd
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 25, 2025
