[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING MR. JASON PIERRE-PAUL AS A SUPER BOWL CHAMPION

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of Mr. Jason Pierre-Paul, a defensive end for the New York 
Giants. Known by his family, friends, and fans as JPP, Jason played a 
pivotal role in the 2011 season for the Giants and helped lead his team 
to victory over the New England Patriots at this year's Super Bowl.
  JPP was born in Deerfield Beach, Florida and attended Deerfield Beach 
High School, which is located in Florida's 23rd congressional district. 
Originally a basketball star, after suffering a serious leg injury, he 
transitioned to football during his junior year of high school. Despite 
being new to the sport, he went on to play college football at the 
University of South Florida. After an impressive college career, he was 
drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2010 National Football 
League (NFL) Draft.
  Without JPP leading the team with 16.5 sacks this season and being 
the steadiest defense player throughout the year, the Giants would not 
have been crowned Super Bowl champions. One of the lasting images of 
this game will undoubtedly be JPP's celebration with his father. When 
he was an infant, his father, Mr. Jean Pierre-Paul, lost his vision and 
therefore has never been able to watch his son play football. Super 
Bowl XLVI was the first NFL game that Jean had ever attended. Their 
celebratory embrace on the field after the game was truly an emotional 
event to see.
  It is these kinds of moments that illustrate the strength and courage 
that our children admire in athletes. JPP's parents emigrated from 
Haiti in 1983, and overcame many obstacles to ensure that he had every 
chance to succeed in life. Learning from his father, JPP overcame 
injuries and a lack of experience to become a Super Bowl champion.
  After his win, JPP said, ``It was awesome to experience this in just 
my second year.'' ``Man, it's a blessing. We just got to stay humble as 
a team and see what the future holds for us.''
  Mr. Speaker, Jason Pierre-Paul's personal story highlights the 
promise of our great Nation. People from all backgrounds have the 
opportunity to achieve tremendous success in life. It is my distinct 
honor to commend JPP on all of his accomplishments and for his Super 
Bowl win.

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