As the New York Giants surge towards their playoff aspirations, second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is emerging as one of the squad's indispensable assets. Despite standing at an imposing 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, Hyatt has faced challenges off the field rather than on it, particularly in maintaining and increasing his weight.
Hyatt has been diligent in his preparations for the rigorous demands of the NFL season. A unique addition to his diet has been Uncrustables, those frozen, individually wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It's an unusual choice, but for Hyatt, it's a key part of a bigger nutrition strategy designed to help him gain weight. "It's definitely hard for myself to gain weight," Hyatt explained. "Some guys, it's easier for them to gain weight or gain muscle. For myself, it's harder. I burn a lot of calories quick. I'm just one of those guys that's got to just keep eating."
For Hyatt, the focus is on completing his meals and then supplementing them effectively. "PB&J's was one of my biggest things, because you want to eat your full meal," he said. "You don't want to eat a little bit and drink a protein shake. Then you're not really getting anything. So, for myself, finishing, completing your full meals, and then, an hour later or 30 minutes later, that's when you put in an Uncrustables or a PB&J or a little protein shake."
The Emergence of a Key Player
Selected in the third round out of Tennessee, Hyatt has quickly validated the Giants’ decision to draft him. His performance on the field has been nothing short of impactful. One standout moment came in Week 2 of the 2023 season when Hyatt’s 58-yard reception played a pivotal role in the Giants' razor-thin, three-point victory over the Arizona Cardinals. That catch was a moment that highlighted Hyatt’s big-play potential.
His knack for making critical plays continued in Week 7. Hyatt recorded two catches for 75 yards in New York's 14-7 win over the Washington Commanders. It was a low-scoring affair, but those 75 yards were crucial in propelling the Giants to victory.
Breaking Through with a Milestone
In Week 12, Hyatt reached a personal milestone that likely instilled a sense of accomplishment and marked his burgeoning importance to the Giants’ offense. He notched his first 100-yard receiving game during a tense victory over the New England Patriots. This performance not only showcased his growing prowess but also solidified his role as a reliable target for the Giants.
Aiming for Collective Success
Despite his individual successes, Hyatt maintains a team-centered focus. "For me, I always set high expectations. Just looking at our team, looking at what we got—for goals, I just want a team goal. We have a playoff team. That's what we want to do. That's our focus and we're gonna get there," Hyatt declared. His commitment to the team's success underscores a maturity that's crucial for a player in his position.
As the Giants continue their chase for a playoff berth, the role of Jalin Hyatt cannot be overstated. His athleticism, dedication to improvement, and knack for clutch performances make him an integral part of New York’s offensive unit. For fans and teammates alike, Hyatt’s development is a promising sign of what’s to come, both for the rest of this season and in the future of his career with the Giants.