Jason Pierre-Paul a First Round Pick: NY Giants Bring Cinderella to Big Apple

"The crowd's going wild for this young Cinderella who's come out of nowhere...He's a Cinderella boy, tears in his eyes I guess..."

—Carl Spackler (Bill Murray) from the movie Caddyshack

Take a moment if you will, Giants fans, and know that you've got yourself a real-life Cinderella story there in the Big Apple.

No doubt there are mixed emotions over the Giants' first round draft pick, Haitian-born man-child Jason Pierre-Paul.

His life's journey has been anything but easy.

He's the third of five children reared by Jean and Marie Pierre-Paul. Jean is blind and Marie has worked long and hard as a hotel housekeeper.

Their tall, talented son has indeed come out of nowhere, unless you consider College of the Canyons and Fort Scott Community College as somewhere.

Forget the lack of big-time experience, take a look inside the heart of this determined young man and give him a shot. That's all he wants.

"The bottom line is I'm a football player," he has said more than once. And isn't that what all NFL teams really need, real football players as opposed to over-paid prima donnas?

This large fellow from the oh-so-humble background knows he now has the chance to take care of a family that has seen tough times.

"Coming from a home like I did, I learned a lot about work ethic and determination," he has told those who listen.

And isn't that what New York and New Yorkers are all about? Everyone loves a great story and JPP, as he's known around the University of South Florida football program, is that and more.

"My mom worked like crazy for us. Now it's my turn to reward her and my dad for all they went through," says the good son. So give this good son a shot.

Yes, he's a bit raw, but he's determined.

No, he didn't go to Oklahoma or Michigan or Ohio State or Florida or any other traditional powerhouse.

He's a true blue collar guy. He'll show up, work hard, and listen to his coaches. And isn't that what it's all about, New York?

Don't be surprised, Giants fans, if this guy flat out surprises you.