Post columnist Steve Serby caught up with former Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks, whose Colts face the Patriots in Sunday’s AFC Championship, for some NFL playoff Q&A.
Q: What was it like standing on the field after the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI win knowing you’re a champion?
A: Man, it’s the best feeling, getting to hold that trophy, hoist that trophy. You get to touch it and just hold it up in the air, your family there’s watching, the whole world seeing you hoist that trophy with your team.
Q: What do you remember about the February 2012 parade?
A: That parade in New York was crazy, man. That was something that I never, ever experienced before and never seen — they had streets blocked off, the whole nine, man — that was something definitely to remember.
Q: Have you made catches close to the catch Giants rookie Odell Beckham Jr. made this year?
A: I’ve had some great catches. … I’ve had some one-handed, fingertip grabs as well. But that one, the way he had to position his body and everything, and with the corner draped all over him, that was pretty impressive, man. That was hands-down one of the best catches I’ve seen. By far the best this season.
Q: How dangerous a combination do you think he and Victor Cruz will be?
A: Lord willing, Cruz comes back, Godspeed and fully healthy, man, I know what Cruz can do in that slot. With [Beckham] on the outside, they should be pretty solid, man. Especially with Rueben Randle still over there, he’s a solid receiver as well. They’ve got some good guys over there, man, they got a little good situation in the making, man. Knowing how the Giants do it, they know how to rebuild and know how to bring the right guys in for Eli [Manning] to get the job done.
Q: You’re still in touch with Cruz?
A: After he had to get his surgery and whatnot, I told him to heal fast. I know he’s gonna work hard and do everything he needs to do.
Q: What impresses you most about Andrew Luck?
A: His resiliency … his pocket presence, the way he moves around in the pocket … take hits, still deliver the ball to the tee … getting together with the guys and you know we’re all on the same page, that certain leadership role.
Q: What is he like in the huddle?
A: Just focused, and he’s looking everybody in the eyes making sure we’re all on the same page.
Q: Is he driven in his preparation the way Eli is?
A: Yeah, he’s definitely driven, and he definitely over prepares, and his talent is off the charts. He’s athletic, his arm is strong, he’s a great leader, man, he gets the job done, just what you need in a quarterback.
Q: Describe Colts coach Chuck Pagano.
A: His love for the game, his knowledge for the game. He’s definitely a coach that I wanted to play for. He beat cancer, he fought that for his life. And anytime you have a chance to play for somebody like that, you know that they value the little things in life, and they appreciate everything that you do.
Q: Quick scouting report on wide receiver teammates. Start with T.Y. Hilton.
A: He’s super fast, great athlete, loves the game of football.
Q: Reggie Wayne.
A: Great veteran to be around. Knows the game in and out extremely well.
Q: Donte Moncrief.
A: Moncrief is an extremely talent rookie, one of the best in that rookie class in my eyes. Big-time playmaker. Can stretch the field as well as being physical running after the catch.
Q: Does Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis look like he is back to being himself again?
A: Definitely. Revis is a smart guy, he knows the game of football.
Q: Tell me what you remember about the Giants’ 20-17 overtime win over the 49ers in 2011 NFC Championship game at San Francisco.
A: I remember it being a physical game. It was rainy, the field was like a monsoon bowl. We were clicking on all cylinders. Eli was hot, Cruz had a great game against Carlos Rogers. … [Mario] Manningham with the touchdown. … That was a great game, great team game.
Q: Eli took a beating in that game.
A: He’s tough, though.
Q: Is the feeling in the Colts’ locker room this week similar to the way it was with the Giants before the 2011 NFC Championship game?
A: Very serious and amped-up about this game. You got some guys that have been here before. This is a team that’s been to the playoffs for the last three years. They’re eager, and they’re ready to get to the big stage, and I look forward to contributing to that.
Q: Do you ever show them your Super Bowl ring?
A: Nah, ’cause I’m looking forward to the next one (chuckle).
Q: Describe your Hail Mary catch before halftime in the divisional playoff win in Green Bay.
A: I think that was just a great effort in my behalf, going up to get the ball over Charles Woodson and those Green Bay defenders. It was just a matter of coming down with the ball. It took the air right up out of ’em. It was right before halftime [to increase the lead to 20-10], so that kinda took the air right out of their lungs and helped us go home with that [37-20] victory.
Q: Why do you live for these big games?
A: Just being in this moment is the game that you can always remember. The bigger the stage, the bigger the game, man, the bigger you play. I’ve always been that way since I was younger. Think back to high school, I ain’t never lost a high school game, always playing in the championship each year, so I was just groomed that way, man. It’s just exciting, man, everybody watching, and you get to showcase your talent and skills against the top-tier guys in the NFL. Just that alone gets you excited and brings out the best in you.
Q: You had eight catches for 205 yards for Independence High (Charlotte, N.C.) in your state championship game against New Bern.
A: Opening kickoff of the game, I took like 70-something yards. I almost scored on that. That whole game, really, I was making big plays.
Q: You returned kicks in high school?
A: Yeah. I played corner too.
Q: No picks?
A: I had a couple deflections. I had a pick in the playoff game before that, though.
Q: Does your team like the underdog role?
A: I don’t think we look at it like that though. We look at it like we’re gonna step [up] to whatever challenge is before us, and we believe in ourselves, and we believe we can be victorious on any day as long as we play team ball and execute our game plan.
Q: Describe Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s defenses.
A: They play great team ball, and they play together.
Q: What has your first season with the Colts been like?
A: I feel like I stepped up to my role, adjusted to my new role, and made plays when I was called on. I’m finishing strong, and we’re not finished yet.
Q: Do you know where you will be next season?
A: I’m not really sure about that. I’m focused on getting to the Super Bowl and celebrating with my current teammates, and free agency will take care of itself.
Q: On a scale of 1-10, where is the level of confidence of your team?
A: Our level of confidence is extremely high. We know what we’re capable of doing, but at the same time, we know we gotta remain humble and just get the job done.