Jeremy Shockey knows a thing or two about playing in New York. The former Pro Bowl tight end made his name as one of the NFL’s most electrifying-and outspoken-personalities during his time with the Giants.
And now, years removed from his playing days, he’s still keeping a close eye on Big Blue. In a recent interview, Shockey didn’t hold back his enthusiasm for the team’s future, especially when it comes to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
“I think the New York Giants have found their guy,” Shockey said, making it clear he’s all-in on Dart as the franchise’s next potential cornerstone.
The rookie has had his share of ups and downs this season, but Shockey sees something special-something you can’t always teach.
“Dart is a great player and a great competitor,” Shockey said. “I’ve always been a fan of his, even when he was in college, because he is an amazing talent.”
That talent, according to Shockey, is matched by a fiery competitive drive. It’s the kind of edge that can rally a locker room and spark a franchise. But it’s also the kind of edge that needs to be managed.
“He definitely has to learn how to take a hit-or maybe just slide down or go out of bounds at times,” Shockey added. “But on the other side, that’s just the competitor in him.”
And that’s been one of the key storylines in Dart’s rookie campaign. The flashes of brilliance are there-big-time throws, smart reads, the ability to extend plays-but so are the growing pains. The Giants’ season has been a grind, and Dart’s learning curve has come under a microscope in a media market that rarely pulls punches.
“It’s been a hard season for him and the Giants,” Shockey acknowledged. “I’m sure everyone on the team is exhausted, always having to read things in the paper that are not about winning football games.”
Shockey, of course, was no stranger to making headlines himself during his playing days. But he’s focused now on what Dart can become-and what it’ll take to get there.
“If you’re trying to play 15 years in the NFL or more, you have to learn how to take care of your body by sliding and running out of bounds,” he said. “The Giants are competitive when Dart is in the game, so he has to do his best to try to stay in the game.”
That’s the balance Dart will need to strike: keeping his edge without putting himself in harm’s way. Shockey believes that will come with time and experience.
“His competitiveness is just second to none,” Shockey said. “And I’m sure he’ll learn to be more careful the more he plays.”
In the meantime, the Giants have something they haven’t had in a while-a quarterback who brings hope. And that, Shockey believes, is enough to build on.
“As long as he keeps doing what he’s doing-making incredible throws and reads-I think the Giants are going to be great.”
But Dart isn’t the only young player who’s caught Shockey’s eye. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo made a big impression before his season was cut short by injury.
“Cam’s got amazing energy and power,” Shockey said. “It’s so fun to watch him on TV, and you can see how he energizes the whole team.”
Skattebo’s physical style and relentless motor made him a fan favorite early on. Shockey sees a lot of heart in the young back-and a lot of potential.
“He plays every snap with such courage and excitement,” he said. “He’s another amazing young talent the Giants currently have.”
The hope is that Skattebo will be fully healthy by next season, and Shockey is already looking ahead to what this offense could become with both Dart and Skattebo leading the charge.
“They have a great core of young guys on the team,” he said. “So, whoever the Giants decide to hire [as head coach] will probably be an offensive-minded coach, and they’ll be able to have fun with these two amazing talents on offense. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
For a franchise that’s been searching for answers, Shockey’s optimism is a welcome change of tone. And if Dart and Skattebo continue to develop the way many believe they can, the Giants might just have the foundation they’ve been missing for years.