EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Joe Judge expressed his high regard for Jabrill Peppers, one day after the Giants announced their safety and defensive captain would miss the rest of the season with a ruptured ACL and high ankle sprain in his right leg.
The Giants' second-year coach said he has had several conversations with Peppers, who was injured returning a third-quarter punt in Sunday's 25-3 victory against Carolina.
"He was in our squad meeting this morning with us, as well," Judge said. "It's really tough for a guy like Jabrill who puts so much – and I don't want to speak for him, I'm just speaking from my opinion of him – it's really tough having a guy like that who puts so much into the team, puts the team first, does everything you ask him to do to the best of his ability, brings so much juice to the team, is a productive player on the field, wears so many hats for you (on) the team and it's always, 'Whatever you need, Coach. Here I go,' and for this to end his season, that's something you don't want to see for any player. It's tough seeing it for Pep, it really is."
The Giants released a video of Peppers, at Judge's direction, breaking down the team huddle in the postgame locker room.
Was that because Peppers was injured?
"We vary it a lot, but I would say last week he broke the team down several times," Judge said. "Pep did a great job practicing last week, he really did. Pep's a guy that when you come in on Wednesdays that – he wears his heart on his sleeve, so he's moved onto the next game, but you can tell he hasn't gotten that taste out of his mouth until he gets to the next game. Pep came out last week, he did a great job practicing for us, really preparing. He brings a lot of juice and energy to the practice. He really gets a lot of guys going with him."
"We've had him break it down in the past a number of times. Broke it down last week a couple of times at practice. As we were breaking down the team and talking to the team, he came wandering out of the showers and joined us just in time, and it was a good opportunity just to have him come in there and talk to the team. We want to have Pep with us as much as we can. Obviously, the trainers will have some say in that in terms of what's best for him in his recovery. If he can travel with us, he's definitely someone we want with us on the trip. If he's able to be on the sideline with the team, he's definitely someone we want down there as far as bringing leadership and experience."
Judge seldom if ever speaks about a player's contract. But perhaps because of the respect he has for Peppers, Judge alluded to the third-year Giant's impending free agency.
"There are some other things (from) the business standpoint, too," Judge said. "Look, this guy is in a contract year, it's something I've talked to him about directly. He's a guy that I value a lot in this program. I'd love to have this guy going forward, I've told him that directly. He's been a very good leader for us. You can talk about him being local, that the Giants mean something to him. I think that's very important. He's a guy that loves football, he loves this organization, he loves this area. Those are things we talk about building as cornerstones and pillars of this program and he's a very important part of our program."
View photos of Giants safety Jabrill Peppers.
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) runs against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers smiles while listening to a question at a news conference during NFL football mini camp at the team's training facility Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns a punt during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) drops into coverage during a NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 37-18. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) looks to make a tackle during a Monday Night NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday November 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) is tackled by New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) is tackled by New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) and free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) runs around the edge as Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers watches against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates after the team scored a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
A detail view of New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers' jersey during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is stripped of the ball for a fumble by New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns an interception for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Markus Golden (44) as Jabrill Peppers (21) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) talks to his teammates following an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) and linebacker Markus Golden (44) take down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (25) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Washington Redskins running back Wendell Smallwood (34) is tackled by New York Giants defensive back Grant Haley (34) and free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns an interception for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) looks on during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 32-31. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants' Jabrill Peppers, right, intercepts a pass intended for Washington Redskins' Jeremy Sprinkle (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) looks on during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 35-17. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during NFL training camp on Friday August 2, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers celebrates his touchdown with Giants fans during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during NFL training camp on Friday August 2, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns a punt during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 35-17. (Cooper Neill via AP)
tNew York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday September 8, 2019 in Arlington,Texas. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during NFL training camp on Friday August 2, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates a defensive interception during NFL training camp on Thursday July 25, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) carries the ball during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants' Jabrill Peppers speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's training camp in Thursday, July 25, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) practices during OTA practice on Monday May 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) walks to the field before a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
S Jabrill Peppers (21)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers during week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a regular season week 4 game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
Fantennial concert and event at MetLife Stadium
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley & S Jabrill Peppers during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
a boogie wit da hoodie performs at New York Giants Fantennial Kickoff Party
New York Giants OTA #2 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) at preseason week 1 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
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