For the second time in four years, the Giants had to fight their way into the playoffs at the end of the 2011 season. Following a loss to the Redskins, the Giants entered their Week 16 matchup against the Jets at 7-7 and a game behind the Cowboys for the division lead.
The team needed a big win against their MetLife Stadium co-tenants, who were 8-6 and fighting for an AFC Wild Card spot. After falling behind 7-3 early in the second quarter, Eli Manning connected with Victor Cruz for a 99-yard touchdown, a first in franchise history. The play propelled the Giants to a 29-14 victory.
Former Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks joined John Schmeelk on the Giants Huddle Podcast to talk about that magical Super Bowl run. While the team knew it had the talent to succeed that year, Nicks says the victory over the Jets was what turned the season around.
"I think the turning point was probably that Christmas game against the Jets when we knew we needed it," Nicks told Schmeelk. "But earlier that year, I thought we had it. We knew the talent was there. It was just a matter of everybody doing their job and focusing in on their job, locking in and being all in like Coach Coughlin told us, and focusing on finishing. Once we put all of that together, that's when the results came."
A big reason why the Giants were able to finish 9-7 and atop of the NFC East was the performance of the offense in the fourth quarter. The Giants won six games on game-winning drives in the final quarter, an ability Manning had displayed throughout his career. The entire offense seemed to come together late in games, which Nicks says was due to the hard work they put in for two-minute situations.
"That goes to everybody that had a hand in it. With the offense, the way we practiced, we practiced every scenario you could possibly think of," said Nicks. "Coach (Kevin) Gilbride's offense, giving us the option to read routes and run more than one route with one play being called, and keeping the defense on its heels. Just assimilating the fast two-minute drill, that's something we practiced all year. Whenever we had to pull that out in a game, we had playmakers at every position that were wanting the ball at all times. It was just bound to happen."
That season, Nicks was joined in the wide receiver room by Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, while Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs and Danny Ware composed the running back group, and Jake Ballard led the way at tight end. Each of those players played a big role in the run to the Super Bowl, but it was Manning who helped bring them all together.
"Eli, we put a lot of time in with him. He was one of, if not the most, film study guys on the team," Nicks said on the Giants Huddle Podcast. "He would be there six in the morning on an off day already going over defensive coverages for who we were about to play that next week. Eli always kept us up. He might say something here and there like, 'Hey Hak, you see this look right here? We're going to try to get this skinny post in back side, but look the safety off and come back. You're going to catch it high and wide, away from everybody in the back of the end zone' type situation. That's how we'd do it, we'd practice it. Then we'd go out there, we'd get the look and we'd execute it."
When asked if Manning was as calm in the huddle as he seemed from the outside looking in during those late-game situations, Nicks didn't hesitate.
"Oh yeah, Eli was cool," said Nicks. "He was calm. Easy E, that's what I call him."
The postseason began with a home game in the Wild Card Round against the Atlanta Falcons, who got on the board first when Manning was called for intentional grounding in the end zone, leading to a first half safety. However, those were the only points Atlanta would score, as the Giants defense held the Falcons to zero points and under 250 total yards.
Meanwhile, the Giants offense exploded. Nicks scored the first touchdown on a four-yard pass late in the second quarter, and the Giants never looked back. Jacobs finished the game with 92 rushing yards and Bradshaw added 63, while Nicks had 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His performance included a 72-yard touchdown catch, the longest in Giants playoff history.
"The way the defense was playing, we knew we were going to click," he said. "We knew that their defense was finally going to wear down and start opening some things up. Then we knew we were going to be able to switch up in the second half. We just did it. We made plays. Coach Gilbride was doing a good job of calling the plays. Wide receivers were doing a good job in the run game blocking, giving Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs the sidelines and the creases they needed."
Following the 24-2 victory over the Falcons, the Giants hit the road for a matchup against the 15-1 Packers at Lambeau Field. Big Blue was up 13-10 when they got the ball back on their own 31-yard line with 41 seconds left in the first half. Instead of running the clock out and going into halftime with a three-point lead, the Giants offense took the field wanting more.
After gaining 32 yards in 35 seconds, the Giants were on Green Bay's 37-yard line with six seconds left. Manning attempted a Hail Mary pass to the end zone, which Nicks went up and caught in a crowd of Packers. The catch seemed to completely deflate Green Bay, as the Giants ran away with the game in the second half and won 37-20.
"Oh yeah, it most definitely took the wind right out of them," Nicks said of the Hail Mary touchdown. "The way they came out in the second half, they were real flat. We took off from there. They gave us the momentum and we took the momentum from there."
The Giants then traveled to San Francisco for a tough game against the 49ers in the NFC Championship. The Niners finished the regular season 13-3 and sported one of the league's top defenses, which was on full display.
Manning was sacked six times and the San Francisco defense finished with 12 quarterback hits. Bradshaw and Jacobs were held to a total of 87 yards on 25 carries, but thanks to a fumble on a 49ers' punt return in overtime, the Giants were able to squeak out the 20-17 victory.
"Man, that was a defensive game right there," said Nicks, who finished the contest with five receptions for 55 yards. "Their red zone defense was probably one of the top defenses that year. They were solid. You had to be very strategic at beating them and scoring on them. I think through the course of the game, it opened up for us. But just like a chess match, you have to figure it out at first.
"We were just battling. They had some good defensive stops, we had some good defensive stops. The thing about it, Coach Coughlin told us that it was going to go into overtime. We were expecting a hard-fought game and were just expecting to come out on top. Not one person on our team or sideline doubted that."
View photos from the career of Super Bowl champion wide receiver Hakeem Nicks
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks reacts after a reception during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants' , from left, Lawrence Tynes, Ahmad Bradshaw, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks hold the Vince Lombardi Trophy following their NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Pat Semansky)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks reacts after a play during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, left, hugs teammate Kenny Phillips after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won the game 21-17. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches the ball during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won the game 21-17. (AP Photo/Pat Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) walks toward the field with Hakeem Nicks (88) and Victor Cruz (80) before the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty (32) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a 66 yard touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) talks with Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates after making a catch during a week 5 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 6, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) talks to his team mates before a week 6 football game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by New England Patriots free safety Tavon Wilson (27), Niko Koutouvides (90) and Mike Rivera (47) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants Victor Cruz (80), Eli Manning (10) and Hakeem Nicks (88) wait to be introduced before a week 7 NFC East football game against the Washington Redskins on October 21, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) celebrates a touchdown with teammates Hakeem Nicks (88) and Dallas Reynolds (61) during the first half of an NFL football game as Washington Redskins' Josh Wilson (26) walks away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates with teammate Hakeem Nicks during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. Left is New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52). (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) rests during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won the game, 26-3. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) looks on during the NFL week 8 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Giants won the game 15-7. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 attempts to catch a pass in the end zone during the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on Sunday, October 6th 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles won 36-21. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 during the NFL regular season game between the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass in front of New York Jets' Kyle Wilson (20) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) evades a tackle by Denver Broncos' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) lines up against New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 in East Rutherford, N.J. The New York Jets won 23-20 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 17 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 3, 2016 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 14 football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 9, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) discuss a challenge during a week 12 football game against the Green Bay Packers on November 25, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
File-This Dec. 15, 2013, file photo shows New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, left, making a catch as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane defends on the play during the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. One of Eli Manning's favorite wideouts, Hakeem Nicks, signed with Indianapolis. His other top target, Cruz, is back and provides the QB a comfort zone, along with 75 or so receptions.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a move after a reception during the NFL week 8 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Giants won the game 15-7. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) signals first down after making a catch during a week 17 football game against the Washington Redskins December 29, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Victor Cruz (80), Eli Manning (10) and Hakeem Nicks (88) wait to be introduced before a week 7 NFC East football game against the Washington Redskins on October 21, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks gives the first down signal after his 51 yard reception against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks walks off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Vilma during an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Vilma has been placed in injured reserve, possibly ending his season, three days after he returned to the lineup for his first game of the season Nov. 3, 2013. The 10th-year linebacker has struggled with recurring knee problems for the past two-plus seasons, casting doubt over whether he will play again. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, left, and New York Jets safety Dawan Landry react during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, in East Rutherford N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks pulls in a pass over the reach of Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson and defensive back Charlie Peprah during the NFC Divisional game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers on Jan 15, 2012 in Green Bay. The Giants defeated the Packers 37-20 to advance to the NFC Championship game. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass during an NFL game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, Texas Sunday, October. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks picks up 50 yards on a pass play before being pushed out of bounds by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ahmad Black (43) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) pulls down a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The pass was ruled incomplete on off-setting penalties. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) looks on during the NFL week 8 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Giants won the game 15-7. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass over Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) during an NFL football game at FedEx Field on Monday, December 3, 2012 in Landover, Maryland. Washington won 17-16. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) talks to his team mates before a week 6 football game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reaches for a pass against New England's Marquice Cole (23) in action against the New England Patriots in Foxboro, MA. August 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New York Giant did receiver Hakeem Nicks (88), Victor Cruz (80) and Eli Manning (10) talk before a week 11 football game against the Green Bay Packers on November 17, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Victor Cruz (80), Mitch Petrus (62), Eli Manning (10), Hakeem Nicks (88) and Rueben Randle wait to leave the tunnel before the start of week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz (80) and Hakeem Nicks (88) walk on the field for an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 carries the ball during the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on Sunday, October 6th 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles won 36-21. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs into the end zone to score on a 25-yard touchdown catch ahead of New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is congratulated by teammate Ahmad Bradshaw (44) after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, December 9, 2012. New York defeated New Orleans 52-27. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in action with receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, December 9, 2012. New York defeated New Orleans 52-27. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) stretches out for a pass in action against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday January 3, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Mark Barron (24) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, December 9, 2012. New York defeated New Orleans 52-27. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch as Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 stays in bounds for a few extra yards while carrying the ball during the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on Sunday, October 6th 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles won 36-21. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass during an NFL game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, Texas Sunday, October. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass during an NFL game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, Texas Sunday, October. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) laughs as fans implore him to sign autographs after a practice at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 14 football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 9, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 14 football game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013 in San Diego, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) completes a pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs from Philadelphia Eagles' Cary Williams (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) goes up for a catch against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson (21) during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York won 23-7. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a move after a reception during the NFL week 8 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Giants won the game 15-7. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with tight end Martellus Benett (85) and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) before a week 14 football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 9, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) prays after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, December 9, 2012. New York defeated New Orleans 52-27. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates as Washington Redskins safety Jose Gumbs, left, looks on during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks pulls in a pass over the reach of Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson and defensive back Charlie Peprah during the NFC Divisional game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers on Jan 15, 2012 in Green Bay. The Giants defeated the Packers 37-20 to advance to the NFC Championship game. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) and quarterback Eli Manning (88) talk on the sidelines during a week 12 football game against the Green Bay Packers on November 25, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey August 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 14 football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 9, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrates his touchdown catch with Victor Cruz during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mark Barron (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) goes face to face with Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko (94) during a week 10 football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 11, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) picks up yardage after catching a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receivers Hakeem Nicks (88) and Victor Cruz (80) stand with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the National Anthem before a week 14 football game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013 in San Diego, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) completes a pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receivers Hakeem Nicks, left, and Victor Cruz celebrate a touchdown by Nicks during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks talks during a media availability during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Members of the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants wave as they are introduced during a timeout in the NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York. From left are Bear Pascoe, Corey Webster, Hakeem Nicks, Mark Herzlich, Aaron Ross and Mathias Kiwanuka. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates the release of Super Bowl XLVI Champions: New York Giants on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally, available March 6, at a premiere screening in New York, Monday, March 5, 2012. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) has a few words with New York Jets safety Dawan Landry (26) during a preseason football game against the New York Jets on August 24, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, center, is interviewed on stage during the fifth round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall, Saturday, April 28, 2012 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 catches the ball during the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on Sunday, October 6th 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles won 36-21. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates the release of Super Bowl XLVI Champions: New York Giants on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally, available March 6, at a premiere screening in New York, Monday, March 5, 2012. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, left, and wide receivers Victor Cruz, center, and Hakeem Nicks celebrate during the team's NFL football Super Bowl parade in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. The Giants returned from their Super Bowl win to a celebration the likes that only New York can throw: a ticker-tape parade in the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway, where the city has honored stars for almost a century. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks, left, signs autographs at a victory celebration rally at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a leaping catch in front of New England Patriots cornerback Alex Molden (27) during the first half of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants' Corey Webster, foreground, waves to the crowd as he and teammates, from left, Bear Pascoe, Hakeem Nicks, Mark Herzlich, Aaron Ross and Mathias Kiwanuka are introduced to the crowd during the NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks smiles as he leaves the Giants NFL football training facility Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. A day earlier, the Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) kisses the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium against the New England Patriots during the trophy presentation of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks arrives with his team at Newark Liberty International Airport, Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in Newark, N.J. A day earlier, the Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is fired up after making a catch against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, MARCH 10-11 - FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass ahead of New England Patriots defensive back Sterling Moore, center, and safety Patrick Chung, left, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. A week after a record 21 players were given franchise tags, the NFL's free agency free-for-all begins. As the the No. 3 receiver in the Meadowlands behind Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manningham's contract situation is in a tenuous position despite his Super Bowl credentials. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs the ball against the defense of New England Patriots cornerback Antwaun Molden (27) during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Feb 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants players including wide receiver Victor Cruz, left, and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrate their team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants players including wide receiver Victor Cruz, left, and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrate their team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) against the New England Patriots during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Feb 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz (80) and Hakeem Nicks (88, far right) hold the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl XLVl football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants won the game, 21-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks answers questions during Media Day on Tuesday January 31, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) kisses the Vince Lombardi Trophy as wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) watches during the Super Bowl XLVl football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants won the game, 21-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs the ball against the defense of New England Patriots cornerback Antwaun Molden (27) during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Feb 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New England Patriots cornerback Antwaun Molden, left, stops New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks answers questions during a media availability, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants will face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks answers questions during a media availability, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants will face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks answers questions during a media availability, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants will face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks during Super Bowl XLVI Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs as New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty (32) and cornerback Antwaun Molden (27) defend during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a 37-yard touchdown pass in front of Green Bay Packers safety Charlie Peprah, left, during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks talks to the media during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in the NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks celebrates after overtime of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks smiles during Media Day for NFL football's Super Bowl XLVI Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 22: Victor Cruz #80 and Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants celebrate a play against the San Francisco 49ers the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The Giants defeated the 49ers in overtime20-17.(AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks speaks to reporters after NFL football practice on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants are scheduled to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, celebrates with teammate Hakeem Nicks after overtime of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates after catching a 37-yard touchdown pass during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is hit during a play by Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a 37-yard touchdown pass in front of Green Bay Packers safety Charlie Peprah, left, during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, right, at the end of the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 5 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 6, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates after scoring on a 72-yard touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. Left is Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann (71). (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, right, at the end of the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Hakeem Nicks (88), wide receiver de los Giants de Nueva York, se escapa a la defensiva de los Falcons de Atlanta para anotar en pase de 72 yardas, en la segunda mitad de su juego de comodines en la postemporada de la NFL, el domingo 8 de enero del 2012, en East Rutherford, Nueva Jersey. (Foto AP/Matt Slocum)
Fans cheer as New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs into the end zone to score on a 72-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. right is Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) holds the Lombardi Trophy during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. The Giants won the game 21-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) celebrates his 27-yard touchdown pass against Atlanta Falcons with teammate Hakeem Nicks during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) evades Dallas Cowboys cornerback Alan Ball (20) and free safety Gerald Sensabaugh, rear, after making a reception during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. The Giants won 37-34. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates after scoring on a 72-yard touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) pulls down a four yard touchdown pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dominique Franks (24) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks indicates a first down after a 19-yard reception against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reaches out to catch a four-yard touchdown pass against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, catches a pass for a touchdown as Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson defends during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks runs with a 51 yard reception as San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, makes a touchdown reception as Dallas Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh (43) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is shoved out of bounds by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris Carr during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants players Hakeem Nicks, left, and Brandon Jacobs talk during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) pursues during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reacts after catching a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch over Oakland Raiders defender Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #18 makes a touchdown catch against the New York Jets during a preseason NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday August 29, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks arrives to practice during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) watches from the sideline during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 14, 2012. The Giants defeated the 49ers 26-3. AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates a first half touchdown with Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday January 8, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg presents New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks a ceremonial set of keys to the city during a ceremony for the NFL football Super Bowl-championship Giants at City Hall in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks answers questions during a media availability, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants will face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10 ) celebrates with wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) after an NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won the game, 20-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) breaks away from Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel (22) and linebacker Tracy White (52) to score a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) pursues in the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks runs past New York Jets cornerback James Ihedigbo for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won the game 27-25. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) races with a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints defeated the Giants 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
The Giants then faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. Nicks knew that the Patriots were going to pay extra attention to him on the outside, and that if he wanted to have a big game, it was going to have to be in the middle of the field.
"I knew it was going to be a slant game for us," Nicks said. "Going into the game, I said I'm going to have to attack the seams and slants. That's what Coach Gilbride told me. He was like, 'Then when we get our one on one opportunities, you take advantage of it.' He said, 'Right now, we need you to be that possession receiver, get us up and down the field.' I was ready to do whatever they told me to do."
Super Bowl XLVI was a back and forth affair, as the Giants took an early lead before New England took a 10-9 advantage into halftime. The Patriots led most of the second half until Manning directed the offense on one final game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter.
"We knew it was going to go down to the wire," said Nicks. "We couldn't think in our mind, 'Hey, we can let up now and everything will be okay.' No, we had to fight down until that clock said zero, and we knew that going into the game."
Nicks finished with a game-high 10 receptions for 109 yards, capping off a strong postseason run for the third-year receiver. Across the four playoff games, Nicks caught 28 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns, including three games with at least 100 yards. The 444 receiving yards are the second-most in a single postseason in NFL history. When asked what led to the stretch of strong performances, Nicks, who currently ranks 10th on the Giants' all-time receptions list, told Schmeelk it was the chance to play on the sport's biggest stage.
"I would say just the opportunity. Just being on that big stage, wanting to get it done. It was my first time being in the playoffs, so you know I was hungry," he said.
The 10-year anniversary of the Super Bowl XLVI-winning team is just one year away, and Nicks could not hold back his excitement about the chance to celebrate the accomplishment with his teammates.
"I can't wait. I cannot wait for it. It seems like it wasn't that long ago. But hey, I think about it all the time."
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