"I don't want to talk about that," Nicks joked as he walked away from the podium at Monday's media session.
Nicks, who set every major receiving record during his career at Chapel Hill, continues to develop his rapport with Manning, standing at the gates of the often heralded third season for receivers.
As the organization's first pick 2009, Nicks went on to catch 47 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns and became the first Giants rookie to score touchdowns in four consecutive games since 1961.
Nicks followed up with a 1,000-yard sophomore campaign and 11 scores despite missing three games – two to compartment syndrome swelling in his right leg and a broken toe for the season finale.
Sitting at No. 1 in touchdowns and second in yards (he trails Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace by fewer than 200 yards) among his draft class, Nicks knows only one thing can hold him back. That is why finishing a whole season is his primary goal for 2011.
"It could be frustrating if you let it, but it is football," said Nicks, who also reiterated there were no lingering effects from the setbacks last season. "Like I said, it is physical and anything could happen. You have to go out there and hope for the best at all times."
Nicks – voluntarily or not – now has other players to look out for because with Steve Smith's status uncertain, he rises in the ranks of decorated wideouts on the team.
"You can look at it like that but it is also an opportunity for other guys as well. I am going to continue to do my part as a wide receiver and that is to make plays," Nicks said. "You can say that a leadership role plays into effect now. I have guys coming up asking questions about stuff. I am very familiar with the system now so it is a matter of me being a help to my teammates."
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride leads training camp packing a one-two punch with Nicks and Mario Manningham, who talked about the "spark" between the two receivers.
"I think both of them have proven to be very, very good players," Gilbride said. "You'd like to have your full complement, but those guys have both played well. Now we have to keep them healthy for the entire season. I think we'll be fine."
