NY Giants WR Jalin Hyatt Reveals How QB Russell Wilson Has Helped His Game

Someone to Believe In Him

The hard work Hyatt put in during the offseason was only part of what he and the Giants hope will result in a major turnaround in his third season. 

The other part–a big part–that is hoped will be a catalyst for success is the arrival of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

Listen to any interview that Wilson has given since signing with the Giants in March, and you’ll find that he almost always mentions Hyatt as a receiver he strongly believes in. 

“He called me the day we signed him,” Hyatt said of how the two began their bond. “I got an unknown call–I didn't have his number saved at that time, so I didn't answer because I didn't know who it was. 

“Then I get another call from that number. I'm like, ‘All right, let me answer it.’ And it was Russ. He called me and he told me he watched all my film and how excited he was to be here and connect.”

Hyatt admitted that Wilson’s enthusiasm and encouragement helped to flip a switch inside of him. 

“He just had confidence in me. I was instantly confident just having him here, and for us to connect so many times in OTAs in the spring practices.”

That they did, at least until a left calf injury forced Hyatt to shut down during the first day of the team’s two-day minicamp last month, and then again to start training camp. 

Before that, though, Hyatt, who couldn’t stop smiling when discussing the effect Wilson has had not just on him but on the offense, had quickly become one of Wilson’s favorite pass targets.

“The first thing he told me was he is gonna gimme the ball,” Hyatt said. “You gotta get targeted, to show what you can do. 

“And he's done that. Throughout spring, he kept giving me chances, and the more (catches) I made, the more he kept throwing to me. 

“So I think the biggest thing for me is when he does give me that chance, I want to execute so that he continues to trust me and we can make the whole team better.”

Exciting Times Ahead for the NY Giants Offense

Besides seeking to become more explosive on the offensive side of the ball, Hyatt said that one of the biggest differences for the Giants offense this year will be in how it’s run. 

“I think the biggest difference is, Russ will have more control of the offense,” Hyatt said. “With guys like that, you kind of give them their space and let them play how they wanna play their game. 

“So for us as receivers, you know, we know we have to get open, we know we have to catch the ball, we know we have to make plays for 'em. And when all of that comes together, that's when you make a great offense. So that's what we have to work towards.”

A Matter of Comfort

As Hyatt continues to build up his comfort level with Wilson in the Giants offense, off the field, he can’t say enough about the comforts that travellers like himself get from the hotel and resort chain that shares his name.  

“Yeah, this is a great partnership,” Hyatt said of the Hyatt Hotel and Resort family's worldwide collection of properties. “I think as far as we share the same commitment with fitness, with sleep, with things that matter.”

Hyatt encourages Giants fans who might be coming to town to catch a game at MetLife Stadium or are planning a road trip to check out all that Hyatt has to offer.

“The World of Hyatt is one of the best, if not the best, places you can go as far as traveling somewhere to watch a game,” he said.

What happens next with the NY Giants? Find out! Follow and like us on Facebook. Visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos. Want to send a question in for our mailbag? You can do so here.