Disappointing Giants draft pick may never get a better shot to prove himself

The New York Giants' first win of the season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers came at a price.

Despite Jaxson Dart impressing during his first career NFL start, New York lost star wide receiver Malik Nabers for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. This loss, without a doubt, is a major blow for the Giants as Nabers is not only their best player on offense, but was also on pace to have another breakout season after his exceptional rookie season.

With the G-Men now needing to pivot to the other wideouts they have as they look to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2023, could this receiver, whose tenure in New York has not panned out yet, take advantage of this opportunity?

Jalin Hyatt handed a chance to show what he's made of after Malik Nabers' injury

As Big Blue looks to pivot to life after Nabers for the rest of the season, Jalin Hyatt may have been given an opportunity to finally show he was worth being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

After showing flashes during his rookie season, Hyatt's role on the offense has diminished as he was held to just eight catches all last season and has yet to have one reception in 2025. Could now be his chance?

The 24-year-old made it clear this week that he needs to take advantage of this potential opportunity for him to not only get more reps, but catch that elusive first touchdown in the NFL, with Nabers also telling Hyatt that this is his chance to finally show what he's made of.

Hyatt also had the early advantage this week to work alongside Dart while Russell Wilson started the first three games for the Giants. Maybe these things happen for a reason for Hyatt?

There is no denying it, Hyatt's tenure in the NFL has been a major disappointment, and there was even speculation during training and the preseason that Hyatt wouldn't make the team. Well, he's still here and has a chance not only this Sunday against the Saints but for the rest of the season to be a mainstay on the Giants' offense.

Dan Campbell’s First TD? He Has No Memory of It

It has been 25 years since Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recorded his first-ever career touchdown reception. It came while he was a member of the N.Y. Giants and against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5 of the 2000 NFL season.

Campbell, a third-round pick of the Giants in 1999, played with the New York franchise for the first four seasons of his NFL career. He amassed 43 catches, 369 yards and five touchdowns in 60 career games with the Giants.

Over the course of his 10-season NFL career, the tight end also suited up for the Dallas Cowboys (three seasons) and Detroit (three seasons).

Earlier this week, the fifth-year Lions head man was unable to remember his first career touchdown.

"I know it was from (former NFL QB) Kerry (Collins), but couldn’t remember if it was a flat or in the back of the end zone. Yeah, it was not a go route," Campbell expressed, when attempting to recall the touchdown catch. "That’s a long time ago. I’m fortunate to have the teammates I had around me, I can tell you that. Because if Kerry was throwing it, I had no choice but to catch it, it caught me.”

Campbell introduces Tom Izzo

Michigan State University held its annual "Michigan State Madness" preseason event for its men's and women's basketball teams at the Breslin Center Friday night. And Campbell did the honors of introducing Spartans men's basketball coach Tom Izzo via a pre-recorded video. The video was met with loud applause from the MSU faithful.

Izzo, for one, is a big fan of the popular Lions coach's aggressive play-calling.

“I think what it does as a coach,” Izzo said, “it tells your team I trust you, I believe in you, we’re going to get this done, damn it, and he says it in way better words than that. That’s why I love the guy.”

Izzo has equally been impressed by the culture established in Detroit and how the Lions have taken on the identity of their bold head man.

“I’ve said it all along, when pro sports in our state or any of us are doing well, it helps our whole state,” Izzo said. “Dan’s been a treat to watch. They’ve all taken on his personality.”

Furthermore, the legendary Spartans head man has admired Campbell's willingness to continue to go for it on fourth down, even after facing criticism for it early on in his Lions tenure.

“He’d be a hell of a Yooper, man,” Izzo said of Campbell. "He could go down 100 feet into those mines and I’m telling you, the rats would be coming out of there, he’d be still down there. Detroit, Michigan is a football town like no football town.”

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