As the New York Giants navigate the demanding terrain of another NFL season, second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has emerged as an indispensable component of their offensive strategy. The 6-foot tall, 185-pound athlete has redoubled his efforts to gain weight, understanding the physical toll an NFL season can exact.
Hyatt, a third-round pick from Tennessee, has embraced an unconventional yet logical approach to his dietary regimen. “It's definitely hard for myself to gain weight,” Hyatt noted. “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.”
The Diet Plan
One of the surprising elements of Hyatt's diet includes Uncrustables, the frozen, individually wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches often associated with school lunches. Hyatt explained his reasoning behind this choice: “PB&J’s was one of my biggest things because you want to eat your full meal. 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.”
Impact on the Field
Hyatt's performance on the field has justified the meticulous attention to his diet and physical preparedness. Early in the 2023 season, he had a 58-yard reception that was pivotal in the Giants' narrow three-point victory over the Cardinals in Week 2. As the season progressed, so did Hyatt’s contributions. In Week 7, he recorded two catches for 75 yards in New York's 14-7 win over the Commanders. These stats, while impressive, were preludes to Hyatt’s breakthrough performance in Week 12.
In that contest, Hyatt notched his first 100-yard receiving game in the NFL, playing an essential role in the Giants' close victory over the Patriots. Such performances underscore his importance to a Giants team with playoff aspirations.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season challenges and inevitable physical tests, the Giants' playoff ambitions appear closely tied to Hyatt's ongoing development and performance. For his part, Hyatt remains focused on team success. “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.”
As the Giants continue their quest for postseason success, the contributions of players like Jalin Hyatt could prove decisive. His unique blend of talent, dedication to physical readiness, and strategic dietary choices may well be a key ingredient in the Giants' recipe for success this season.