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Jason Pinnock Explains How His Dad Kept Him Grounded After Highlight Reel Interception

Jason Pinnock is competing for a starting role in the Giants defense.
Patricia Traina|
Jason Pinnock Explains How His Dad Kept Him Grounded After Highlight Reel Interception
Jason Pinnock Explains How His Dad Kept Him Grounded After Highlight Reel Interception

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New York Giants

The 2023 NFL season hasn't even begun yet, but if practice plays could be counted for the year-end NFL Plays of the Year award, a strong case could be made for New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock's gorgeous one-handed interception made during Sunday's practice.

But don't expect the 24-year-old Pinnock to rest on his laurels or count on that play alone to secure his status as the new starting safety alongside Xavier McKinney in the Giants defense.

Pinnock's father, Louis, had a gentle reminder for his already level-headed son following all the hoopla about his catch. The elder Pinnock praised his son for the effort but then added that it was all about what he planned to do tomorrow and the day after that. 

“That’s my guy,” Pinnock said with a smile after practice on Monday. “After that catch, he called me and said, ‘Great catch, but it’s about what you do tomorrow. That’s cool and all, but what are you gonna do tomorrow?’ ” 

During Monday's practice, Pinnock, a Jets fifth-round draft pick in 2021 didn't have any viral-worthy plays, but he delivered yet another solid showing working with the first-team defense as he continues to make his case for the starting job.

“I think I capitalized again,” he said, “Just keep stacking good days.”

Still, the interception on a pass thrown by Daniel Jones intended for tight end Darren Waller certainly made it onto the team's nightly film review, even though the play was blown dead since it would have been a sack in live drills.

 Still, the play counts as far as the Giants are concerned. Head coach Brian Daboll called it impressive. And Pinnock himself was amazed when he saw it again on film.

"It was crazier than what I thought," Pinnock said. "It was kind of cross-body. It looked dope; I ain’t gonna lie. I ain’t gonna hype myself up, but it was a hell of a catch."

Hopefully, for Pinnock, the first of many he'll have this year.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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