A year ago, NFL star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul suffered a devastating hand injury in a July Fourth fireworks accident. Pierre-Paul spent weeks in the hospital and lost his right index finger in the incident.

While Pierre-Paul was able to resume his NFL career with the New York Giants, he says the fireworks accident left him a changed man. He is now sharing his experience, his disfigured hand included, to educate others on the dangers of fireworks.

The two big takeaways: Keep fireworks away from kids and leave fireworks to professionals.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) speaks with Falcons coaching staff on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 
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State senators Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, and RaShaun Kemp, D-Atlanta, fist bump at the Senate at the Capitol in Atlanta on Crossover Day, Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

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