By Ricardo Riojas

As we all know wide receivers are a major key to winning in the game of football.

We always hear about the great, Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Cris Carter, Michael Irvin and the list goes on. As of late the interest of football has become more about the love of the money, rather than the love of the game.

Although there are some players out there who I believe still have a lot of heart in them, and dedication. 

A perfect example to use here are New York Giants Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. 

The offseason has brought a lot of attention to New York. Victor Cruz, who had franchise records including most yards in a single season (1,536 yards) and tied for the longest passing touchdown reception (99 yards) with a total tally of 168 receptions for 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns is willing to sign a long term contract with the Giants, just as long as they are willing to pay big money for the rising star.

Cruz recently signed his first-round restricted free-agent tender of $2.87 million, as he plans to work out a deal.

“I’m going to sign my tender today and will continue talks for a long-term deal before camp starts,” Cruz said. 

Now we have Hakeem Nicks on the other hand, has been very quiet and humble during this process.

Nicks was the first round pick for the Giants, back in 2009 and is now going into his 5th year.

He has had some stellar games, but unfortunately hasn’t had a single season in which he starts and finishes healthy.

He has stacked 3,726 career yards along with 27 touchdowns and only three fumbles (none of which were lost).

While the media is focused on his teammate Victor Cruz, Nicks has taken some time and is training hard to get back to his old self. He is not to focused on a new contract but rather an injury-free season.

“I’m not here to talk about (OTAs),” Nicks said Tuesday at the first day of mandatory mini-camp. “I’m here to talk about me being here right now. I’m here. I’m happy to be back around my teammates. I’m not really going to go back. That is in the past already.”  

Nicks is an amazing receiver and has potential to be one of the best in the league, and it looks like he is ready to prove it, he doesn’t want attention, he doesn’t want drama, he just wants to play on the field and prove to each and everyone of us that he is better than what we have seen. I’m ready to see what Nicks will bring to the table.

Are you?