March 17, 2023 • 21 mins
John Schmeelk is joined by the newest Giants, wide receiver Parris Campbell, wide receiver and special teamer Jeff Smith, and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches. SUBSCRIBE NOW: Apple | Spotify| Google |Stitcher| iHeart Radio 01:02 - Parris Campbell 10:51 - Jeff Smith 15:15 - Rakeem Nuñez-Roches
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's time to get inside the Giants huddle on giants
dot Com. Here we go on the Giants Mobile part
of the Giants Podcast cat. We welcome to another edition
of the Giants Huttle podcast on John Schmelk. As the
Giants continue to add players in free agency, we get
to know him a little bit. Today, we're gonna do
three players. Paris Campbell, a player they acquired a wide
(00:21):
receiver from the Indianapolis Colts via Ohio State. A lot
of injuries first three years, came back at a nice
year last year, over sixty catches six hundred yards. We'll
talk to him. Then Jeff Smith, the wide receiver, special
teamer and former quarterback in college that came over from
the Jets. We'll find out how he's going to contribute
to the team. And then we're gonna have Rackeem Nunez
(00:42):
Roches also known as Nacho, a defensive tackle that's coming
over from the Buck Tampa by Buccaneers. That'll be our
final interview today. It's all brought to you by PSC
and G Energy Efficiency. For game time and anytime, visit
PSEG dot com slash Giants for discounts, rebates and home
energy assessments. Now let's get to our first interview, a
player that should help the Giants passing game this year.
(01:02):
And now we're joined by one of the newest Giants
wide receiver, Paris Campbell. Paris, how are you man? Great? Man?
Excited to be here? How are you doing? I'm doing great?
Why New York? I mean, look at the offense, it's trending.
It's trending. You got Daniel Jones san Quan Barkley, just
like two top guys. But further than that, you can
(01:24):
just see the excitement that they play with, how fun
it looks, how fluid it is, getting guys in the
right position, a right spots to make plays. You know,
it's something that I feel that I can step into
and my full potential can be tapped into. I think
the sky's the limit with his offense, and farther more
(01:46):
than that, the entire team. I just feel like it's
trending in the right direction. What is it about that
you've heard from maybe people you know here or anybody
else about the culture here that Joe Shane and Brian
Dable are trying to build. Yeah, from what I heard,
this family atmosphere, family environment, and you know that's that's
what means the most to me. You know, when you're
(02:07):
in a place that actually cares, cares about the players,
obviously cares about winning UM, but wants to do it
all together, that's what means the most to me. And
you know, just having guys be tight, close knit group. UM,
I think that that's what makes a team go UM
and then you can have fun doing it. You mentioned
some of the XS and o's watching the Giants offense
looks free, looks like guys are having fun. What is
(02:29):
it about the way Dable and Kafka run this offense
that makes you think you would be a good fit
inside of it? Yeah, I just think the versatility of it. Um.
You've got different guys in different places making plays. Like
for me, we're on the field, whether that's outside inside
UM and you know, obviously talking with those guys and
you know them haven't watched me play and knowing my game, UM,
(02:50):
I think it's just gonna be a perfect fit. Obviously,
I feel like I have a lot of versatility in
my game. So you know, when you look at the offense,
like I said, versatility, versatility, versatility. So I'm man, I'm
just excited. I'm really excited for Giant fans and maybe
haven't watched a lot of colts football over the last
few years. Tell them what you bring to the field
as a player. Yeah. First of all, man, I just
(03:12):
I'm a team guy. Man, I'm all about the team,
all about helping the team win. But furthermore than that,
just I feel that I'm a dynamic player. Um. You know,
I feel like I can make plays on that field,
and you know, obviously give give the fans a show,
but make place, make place for the team that's gonna
help us win games. And like I said, the versatility,
(03:33):
I think it brings a different dynamic to the offense.
The speed everything. Man, I just I'm excited for this opportunity.
If you describe your game in one word, what would
it be? Fast? Fast? No matter what it is on
the field, no matter what I'm doing, make sure I
do it, you know, to my full capabilities. And I'm
always gonna be running fast, that's for sure. You mentioned
(03:54):
your versatility. Maybe three quarters or so of your snaps
and the pros have been in the slot. College you
played a lot in the slot as well. Where do
you think you've grown being in the league too, as
you mentioned, become more versatile and get more snaps and
be just as effective outside as you are inside. Yeah,
I think I've really developed as a route runner. I
think coming out of college, well, in college, I really
(04:17):
wasn't asked to, you know, run a lot of the
route tree. I ran a lot of slants, drags, corners,
just simple things. But I really feel like as I've
come into the league, I've been able to expand on
what I can do. And it's not that I felt
like I could never do those things. I just wasn't
asked too. So obviously getting more reps and being more comfortable,
whether that's inside or outside, just running the full route tree,
(04:40):
I feel like I really developed. How the how are
the first three years of your time in the league
trying to deal with the variety of injuries and what
kind of challenge was that for you physically but also
mentally to try to fight through that? And you finally
broke through last year. You played all the games and
you were very productive, and it was tough. To be
honest with you, it was tough, and you know, I
don't shy away from talking about it because it's what
(05:02):
made me Um it's it's part of me, part of
my story. Um. Obviously it was tough physically just because
it was things that you know, just I couldn't shake.
Like there were freak accidents, unavoidable things, things that you know,
happy happened to unlucky people, I guess, um, and you
know that's you know how some people describe it, But
I describe it as things that I had to go
(05:23):
through to get who I was really supposed to be
and really understand my purpose and mentally, Um, you know,
when the game's taken away from you, obviously you love
it so much. When it's taken away from you three
consecutive years, Um, you know, it's tough. But on the
other hand of it, like I like, I would never
take this game for granted ever again because it's gotten
(05:45):
taken away from me so much. Um. You know, So
if anybody's you know, questioning my love for the game,
like nah, Like if I'm here, it's gonna I'm doing
it one hundred ten percent and you know I love it.
What did you learn about yourself going through all that? Um?
I learned a lot actually, Um, you know I had
I was in some dark times and you know, I've
(06:06):
seen size of myself that I you know, never thought
I would see. Um. But the positive of it is
I got so low, but I was able to battle
my way back. Um. And you know you go through
things as football, You're gonna go through adversity all the time. Um.
You know you bounced back and come back all the time.
But like those those three years, like going through those injuries,
(06:27):
you know, having me at my lowest, you know, times
where I thought about giving up and you know, just
walking away, Um, being able to like battle back from
all that stuff. Man, like it really it showed me
a lot of who I was as a person, as
a man, as a father, as a husband, like everything. Uh,
it showed It showed me that that I can battle
through anything, honestly, and I show Giant fans want to
(06:48):
know you're healthy now, and are you back to that
four three one guy that they saw on the combined
at forty Absolutely absolutely. I think, Uh, if I'm not mistaken,
had the fastest ball carrier speed last year. So I
think we check we check that box. We've talked about
you on the field, what kind of guy or the
Giants getting in the locker room and what type of person.
Are you off the field and I try to leave
by example. Um, you know, I usually don't say a
(07:11):
whole lot. Obviously I have to, you know, earn my
keep around here, you know, coming in with the new team. Um,
you know, so obviously I'm gonna come in and just
try to get to know guys first manages, and I'm
gonna just be myself. You know, I don't I don't
have to be this ra ra guy. I don't have
to try to be something I'm not man because I
feel like I get along with people easily. Um, easy
going guy, fun guy. But I just love ball. I
(07:35):
love winning. Um, you know, I think that I'm a
will with the guys in the locker room. We're talking
before you start your a Midwest guy. What do you
feel about being in New York City. Yeah, it's definitely
a change of face. It's new for me. Uh you know,
but you know, I mean I'm excited. I'm excited for
what what what's to come? And you know, obviously I'm
gonna do some touring. I can't get trapped down. I
(07:58):
heard is if you get if you time it up wrong,
you can be stuck somewhere for three hours I'm had
I time it up right confirmed? Yeah, but no, man,
I'm excited. I'm excited to give my family here. Uh,
my wife and my two kids. I'm excited for them
come see the city. My son has this infatuation with
New York. Don't know where it came from before I
even signed, Like, don't know where it came from. So
(08:20):
excited to get him down here. Man. But you know,
just ready for this, this next step of our our
chapter in our journey. All right, finally, do you have
any connections with with any of the guys or coaches
here that you've talked to you and what have they
told you? Yeah? So obviously Coach Grow you know, he
was an ind with me, um, and he's he's just
really told me about obviously Dave's, Joe, UM, the offense, UM,
(08:45):
starting with Dave's and Joe, just how they really care
about the players. UM, and you know how they always
put the players first, and you know that's what matters
the most of them. Um. You know, so obviously I
just welcoming to here, um and then just talking about
the offense, he I said, like, he told me how
it's just free, how guys have freedom to be theirselves
in the offense. Obviously, you know there's some limitations, but
(09:07):
as far as like getting out on the field and
getting open, like he said, there's a lot of freedom. Um,
and you know, I think that's the best thing because
guys aren't robots. Guys are out there just being themselves,
using their talents and um, you know, playing how they
see fit. Because at the end of the day, like
players know how to play, so just just let them
go play. And obviously, um, you know, just having my
(09:29):
my my past with girl, me and him are close,
h you know, so having a familiar face here helps. Um.
And actually I'm in Arizona right now training Isaiah Hodgens
is out there training with me, and you know, so
he's He's told me so much just about the offense,
the organization, the people, the facilities, everything. Man, and having
him out there and training with him is It's cool
(09:51):
because I'm kind of you know, getting to know him
and we're kind of building relationship. So excited for that
to continue on. So yeah, and then obviously you know
Bobby Okaya ka uh, that's my guy through and through,
So excited to you know, embark on his new journey
with him as well, you've talked to all these guys,
are you like sitting there on the plane and visioning
how they're gonna use you in this offense already? Yeah, No,
(10:12):
for sure. Like my flight here, I'm just I'm so
I haven't stopped smiling, to be honest with you, but
I'm just excited. Man. Like you know, Coach Daves, he
FaceTime he like three times yesterday. Uh, and like that,
like for that, like that that just does so much
for me because like every head coaching league's not just
FaceTime and his guys, man, you know what I mean. Like,
(10:33):
so that says a lot just from Jump Street, um
and just talking to him about you know, my style
of play and you know what he likes and what
he sees. Um. You know. Just I'm just excited, man,
I'm just I think it just comes down to that.
I'm just excited. But we can't wait to see on
the field. I'm making those dreams coming to Paris. You
appreciate the time, Thanks so much, Thank you, appreciate you.
And now we're joined by one of the newest members
of the Giants, wide receiver Jeff Smith. Jeff, why did
(10:55):
you decide to come to New York. I just knew
as soon as he as soon as my agent told
me that that they were interested, that y'all were interested
in me coming here. I'm familiar with the place, you know.
I just had a son who's still you know, still growing,
and I'm just I'm just familiar with the with the area.
So it just made made the most sense. You know,
I should have said, come to the New York Giants.
(11:17):
You were already in New York, given you were from
the Jets. So is that kind of nice enough to
worry about, like moving and all that stuff. You're just
kind of moving to the other side of the state.
It is nice. Uh, definitely. Yeah. So we were, of
course way further into New Jersey. So it is nice
to being over here next to the water, being able
to see the city. I know my wife is gonna
want a spot seeing the city, so we'll probably talk
(11:37):
about that today. So yeah, if you describe your game
for Giant fans, how would you describe it speed fast,
I'm gonna work hard and and I'm gonna ball. How
do you think that's going to apply to what the
Giants are gonna want you to do here? Uh? Definitely,
you know, bringing a different aspect to speed to the game. Um,
just being able to play multiple spots on the field
(12:00):
and doing doing whatever they need me to do. Yeah,
you talk about your versatility playing multiple spots offensively, you've
kind of seen what Brian dablemcaffic like to do. How
do you think they can utilize your skill set best? Uh?
Like I said, like the one thing I talked talk
to them the most about is just being able to
utilize my speed to the best of the ability for
(12:20):
the team. So whichever way they have me, whether that's
running deep passes or getting short passes to you know,
find a seam somewhere. So just whatever they need me
to do. And then you've played a lot of different
special teams unit you've been a gunner, kickoff return, punt return.
Uh tell fans why special teams are important to you
because they have to be in order for you to
be good at it right and and what you bring
(12:40):
to the field on specials. So special teams, I think
that's the main reason why I'm still able to first
of all, sit in this seat here. You know, that's
kind of helped me keep my job for the past
four years. So it's been very special to me being
able to feed feed my family now. So I think
that's just how you earn your your space on the team,
you know, that's how you earn the respect of your teammates.
(13:01):
And I'm looking forward to it give me more chances
on the offensive side of the ball too. Given your local,
were you able to kind of keep an eyeing the
Giants last year and see how well they did in
the first year in their new regime. Definitely. Yeah. So
we had a couple of teammates from there that I've
played with for the past couple of years coming here
at night, and it was dope to see them be
able to come here and actually play and you know,
(13:24):
get to experience that. So it's definitely something that you
obviously see because we're in the same stadium, So it
was cool to see that too. Can you tell me
about some of those connections and what they've told you
before you got here? Oh? Yes, I talked to you know,
Lawrence Cagre, Tianna and Jason Pennock. You know, they they
love it here and they obviously got the opportunity to play,
(13:45):
and so I hit them up whenever I found out
that that I was coming here. You know, I asked
them like where I should live at and things like that.
So I'm looking forward to looking forward to it for sure.
What did they tell you about what happens inside the
building that got you excited about becoming a giant? Just
like the overall just camaraderie of the organization, the community,
(14:07):
locker room and things like that. So, um, just looking
forward to being able to meet the guys you know,
reach out in the community as well. And I'm just real,
real blessed to be here today. We talked to you
about you on the field, how about off the field?
What are the giants getting in you as a locker
room guy? As a person, I'm definitely a guy you know,
whether things are going on where or not, I'm gonna
(14:28):
support my guys no matter what. Um. You know, I'm
a guy that's gonna lift them up when they're down
and things like that, because you know, I've been having
a fight from my spot for like so long, so
I know what it's like to you know, maybe be
somewhere that you don't want to be. UM. So it's
kind of like be that voice of like reason, that
voice of just like um, I guess like encouragement um
and just go out there with my guys and b Finally,
(14:51):
have you had a chance to lobby yet to use
your old quarterbacking skill play stuff out offense? I have not,
but I'm definitely going to. For sure, that's not that's
that's gonna be one of the little rankles to my
game too. For sure. I was surprised that I didn't
that I didn't see any of that. But the Jets,
to be quite honest with you, Hey, they don't mount
the more. We're gonna use it here at some point,
(15:11):
for sure, that's what we'd like to hear. Hey, Jeff,
good stuff. Man. Welcome to the Giants. Appreciate the time.
And now we're joined by one of the newest members
of the Giants, defensive lineman Rakim new Year's rochest Verkeim.
Welcome to New York. Man, man, thank you for having me.
Why did you pick New York? A lot of the
size and factness, but I mean where the organization is
that and where they're trying to go. I like that direction.
(15:31):
I felt like I can be you know a part
of the calls. Okay, you mentioned where they're at and
where they're going. What impressed you about this organization and
what they did last year. In the first year of
this new regime, I mean, in the beginning, y'all, y'all
a roller, you know what I'm saying, five and one
sits and one of y'all doing great things. I know
everything came to a halt, but you got young, great players,
You got defense that has a camaraderie of trying to
(15:52):
do things. But there was a little you know, leaks
in there, and I felt like I can fail that void.
As you're excited to play next to guys like Leonard
Williams and Dexter. Come on, you have a dominant two
guys right there that just do everything that you ask
some of them, and then I just felt like that
load was very heavy and if I can come here
and take some of that off of them, guys hitting
almost a thousand snaps a year, and that's that's an't
(16:14):
heard of. I know you're superstar guys, but I could
just help a little bit. I feel like they can
go to the postseason and do what they need to do.
Now you have some experience playing next to studs inside.
You're with Vita Vea down there in Tampa Bay. What
is it like playing against the playing next to a
guy like that who is a little different but as
effective as Dexter, but different ways. I mean, playing against
superstar guys like Vitavey and the Dominican Sue. You have
(16:36):
a sense of urgency about yourself. When these guys want
to come off the field, there doesn't need to be
any drop off. So you know, you raised your sense
of awareness, your sense of competition, because, like I said,
you don't want anything to change right now off the field,
and you also want them to be able to depend
on you. So guys like that make you a better player,
and you also push down what you like about Winking
(16:58):
his system that makes you think you're gonna fit well.
I mean, we're gonna be hands on. I get sitt
in the gap, put my hands on somebody, w play
double team. Things that I like to do. I love
to play blocks. I'm not always just getting up to feel.
I want to be assignment sound football. Let's the linebacker
scrape and do what they need to do and let
me just hold them off of them. I know the
system is a little bit different, but very similar aggressive
(17:20):
style to what Todd bowls out down there right exactly
and you're seeing what I was there to do down there.
I feel like I can do the same, if not
better here. If you describe your game to giant fans
in one world, what would have been dominant aggressive? Can
you get into why those two words? I mean, you
don't find a lot of people that really are in
(17:41):
love with the physicality of what it takes to be
a great detackle. And I live for those double teams.
I'm looking for those double shots every time. Maybe if
you gotta come chip with a tight end, come on,
bring it. But I sit in there looking for that,
and I like to play on the other side of
the ball. Anybody that you know here, that you've connected to,
talked about before you got here, coaches the play on
(18:02):
a personal level. I can't really say that, like I
knew generally about you know, a couple of players. But
that's all I'm here for to make that connection. That's
what TAS is for. Talk about yourself off the field.
What kind of guy in the locker room are the
giants getting and what are giant fans going to see
from you off the field? To be honest, just a
true profession like I do everything right as far as
(18:23):
with my family. I try to tell people, you know,
I'm trying to be the father I didn't have. So
as you see, my families here with me, take them
everywhere I go. Aside of that, I do a lot
of investing. Aside of that, I do a lot, you know,
with the community, but just doing things that you don't
always see, Like we don't have to always do the
flashy stuff. We don't always have to go to the mall.
We don't always have to do that. Like what makes
(18:45):
you a better man? What makes you a better person
outside of football? Because it's not gonna last forever? Looking
forward to again a tastion of New York City a
little bit. How much have you been here? Oh? I've
been here two days and I love it. The view,
the food is at Macklin, the weather, everything else. I
am loving that. I'm not gonna ry. It's not Florida,
oh no, not by long shot. But it definitely has
(19:06):
this perks about it. And I'm excided to go see
what the c has offered. All Right, I saved the
serious stuff for last. Where Nacho come from? Oh? I
felt like I just did the same question, but I
mean it really just came from first year in camp.
I was eating nachos. If you ever been in the
meeting room, it's very quiet, and I just had a
(19:28):
snack and I was just eating and uh, Dante post
like damn notch and it just like stuck and then
it just kind of built from there. And then the
guys was like, you know, you think it's your tackle,
but it's nachos because it's always husted to the ball.
You like it, Yes, sir, I got a nacho right here,
so I'm in love with it. I guess that was
the kiss. It's great having you here, man. Then we
(19:50):
look forward to seeing on the field. Thank you for
having me. We think Paris, Jeff and rakim aka Nacho
for joining us. And by the way, you know he
showed at the end of that answer, his last answer,
he's wearing a big silver chain and I was trying
to figure out all interview what it was and it's
literally a nacho a cheese dripping off of it, so
niedless to say, he is embracing the nacho part of
(20:13):
his persona. All three cmlike really good guys, all have families, adults,
mature good guys, so three good additions to the giants
that should help in all three phases offense, defense, and
special teams. Thank you for joining us on this episode
of the Giants Little Podcast, brought to you by psc
ANDNG Energy Efficiency for game time and anytime, visit PSG
(20:34):
dot com slash Giants for discount threebates and home energy assessments.
Next week, probably Tuesday, we're gonna be joined by former
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitrov, who is now the CEO
of Sumer Sports, who's kind of a consulting firm and
analytics company for NFL teams. So we've really interesting talk
about what they're doing, but more importantly kind of what
the Giants offseason has looked like and how they build
(20:56):
moving forward. So make sure you stay tuned on next
week for that. In the meantime, enjoy everything we've done
this week. You have this episode, go back listen to
the Darren Waller and Bobby O. Karake interviews if you
haven't done that already. Really great content, and thank you
for being with us. We'll see you next time on
the Giants Huddle
It's time to get inside the Giants huddle on giants
dot Com. Here we go on the Giants Mobile part
of the Giants Podcast cat. We welcome to another edition
of the Giants Huttle podcast on John Schmelk. As the
Giants continue to add players in free agency, we get
to know him a little bit. Today, we're gonna do
three players. Paris Campbell, a player they acquired a wide
(00:21):
receiver from the Indianapolis Colts via Ohio State. A lot
of injuries first three years, came back at a nice
year last year, over sixty catches six hundred yards. We'll
talk to him. Then Jeff Smith, the wide receiver, special
teamer and former quarterback in college that came over from
the Jets. We'll find out how he's going to contribute
to the team. And then we're gonna have Rackeem Nunez
(00:42):
Roches also known as Nacho, a defensive tackle that's coming
over from the Buck Tampa by Buccaneers. That'll be our
final interview today. It's all brought to you by PSC
and G Energy Efficiency. For game time and anytime, visit
PSEG dot com slash Giants for discounts, rebates and home
energy assessments. Now let's get to our first interview, a
player that should help the Giants passing game this year.
(01:02):
And now we're joined by one of the newest Giants
wide receiver, Paris Campbell. Paris, how are you man? Great? Man?
Excited to be here? How are you doing? I'm doing great?
Why New York? I mean, look at the offense, it's trending.
It's trending. You got Daniel Jones san Quan Barkley, just
like two top guys. But further than that, you can
(01:24):
just see the excitement that they play with, how fun
it looks, how fluid it is, getting guys in the
right position, a right spots to make plays. You know,
it's something that I feel that I can step into
and my full potential can be tapped into. I think
the sky's the limit with his offense, and farther more
(01:46):
than that, the entire team. I just feel like it's
trending in the right direction. What is it about that
you've heard from maybe people you know here or anybody
else about the culture here that Joe Shane and Brian
Dable are trying to build. Yeah, from what I heard,
this family atmosphere, family environment, and you know that's that's
what means the most to me. You know, when you're
(02:07):
in a place that actually cares, cares about the players,
obviously cares about winning UM, but wants to do it
all together, that's what means the most to me. And
you know, just having guys be tight, close knit group. UM,
I think that that's what makes a team go UM
and then you can have fun doing it. You mentioned
some of the XS and o's watching the Giants offense
looks free, looks like guys are having fun. What is
(02:29):
it about the way Dable and Kafka run this offense
that makes you think you would be a good fit
inside of it? Yeah, I just think the versatility of it. Um.
You've got different guys in different places making plays. Like
for me, we're on the field, whether that's outside inside
UM and you know, obviously talking with those guys and
you know them haven't watched me play and knowing my game, UM,
(02:50):
I think it's just gonna be a perfect fit. Obviously,
I feel like I have a lot of versatility in
my game. So you know, when you look at the offense,
like I said, versatility, versatility, versatility. So I'm man, I'm
just excited. I'm really excited for Giant fans and maybe
haven't watched a lot of colts football over the last
few years. Tell them what you bring to the field
as a player. Yeah. First of all, man, I just
(03:12):
I'm a team guy. Man, I'm all about the team,
all about helping the team win. But furthermore than that,
just I feel that I'm a dynamic player. Um. You know,
I feel like I can make plays on that field,
and you know, obviously give give the fans a show,
but make place, make place for the team that's gonna
help us win games. And like I said, the versatility,
(03:33):
I think it brings a different dynamic to the offense.
The speed everything. Man, I just I'm excited for this opportunity.
If you describe your game in one word, what would
it be? Fast? Fast? No matter what it is on
the field, no matter what I'm doing, make sure I
do it, you know, to my full capabilities. And I'm
always gonna be running fast, that's for sure. You mentioned
(03:54):
your versatility. Maybe three quarters or so of your snaps
and the pros have been in the slot. College you
played a lot in the slot as well. Where do
you think you've grown being in the league too, as
you mentioned, become more versatile and get more snaps and
be just as effective outside as you are inside. Yeah,
I think I've really developed as a route runner. I
think coming out of college, well, in college, I really
(04:17):
wasn't asked to, you know, run a lot of the
route tree. I ran a lot of slants, drags, corners,
just simple things. But I really feel like as I've
come into the league, I've been able to expand on
what I can do. And it's not that I felt
like I could never do those things. I just wasn't
asked too. So obviously getting more reps and being more comfortable,
whether that's inside or outside, just running the full route tree,
(04:40):
I feel like I really developed. How the how are
the first three years of your time in the league
trying to deal with the variety of injuries and what
kind of challenge was that for you physically but also
mentally to try to fight through that? And you finally
broke through last year. You played all the games and
you were very productive, and it was tough. To be
honest with you, it was tough, and you know, I
don't shy away from talking about it because it's what
(05:02):
made me Um it's it's part of me, part of
my story. Um. Obviously it was tough physically just because
it was things that you know, just I couldn't shake.
Like there were freak accidents, unavoidable things, things that you know,
happy happened to unlucky people, I guess, um, and you
know that's you know how some people describe it, But
I describe it as things that I had to go
(05:23):
through to get who I was really supposed to be
and really understand my purpose and mentally, Um, you know,
when the game's taken away from you, obviously you love
it so much. When it's taken away from you three
consecutive years, Um, you know, it's tough. But on the
other hand of it, like I like, I would never
take this game for granted ever again because it's gotten
(05:45):
taken away from me so much. Um. You know, So
if anybody's you know, questioning my love for the game,
like nah, Like if I'm here, it's gonna I'm doing
it one hundred ten percent and you know I love it.
What did you learn about yourself going through all that? Um?
I learned a lot actually, Um, you know I had
I was in some dark times and you know, I've
(06:06):
seen size of myself that I you know, never thought
I would see. Um. But the positive of it is
I got so low, but I was able to battle
my way back. Um. And you know you go through
things as football, You're gonna go through adversity all the time. Um.
You know you bounced back and come back all the time.
But like those those three years, like going through those injuries,
(06:27):
you know, having me at my lowest, you know, times
where I thought about giving up and you know, just
walking away, Um, being able to like battle back from
all that stuff. Man, like it really it showed me
a lot of who I was as a person, as
a man, as a father, as a husband, like everything. Uh,
it showed It showed me that that I can battle
through anything, honestly, and I show Giant fans want to
(06:48):
know you're healthy now, and are you back to that
four three one guy that they saw on the combined
at forty Absolutely absolutely. I think, Uh, if I'm not mistaken,
had the fastest ball carrier speed last year. So I
think we check we check that box. We've talked about
you on the field, what kind of guy or the
Giants getting in the locker room and what type of person.
Are you off the field and I try to leave
by example. Um, you know, I usually don't say a
(07:11):
whole lot. Obviously I have to, you know, earn my
keep around here, you know, coming in with the new team. Um,
you know, so obviously I'm gonna come in and just
try to get to know guys first manages, and I'm
gonna just be myself. You know, I don't I don't
have to be this ra ra guy. I don't have
to try to be something I'm not man because I
feel like I get along with people easily. Um, easy
going guy, fun guy. But I just love ball. I
(07:35):
love winning. Um, you know, I think that I'm a
will with the guys in the locker room. We're talking
before you start your a Midwest guy. What do you
feel about being in New York City. Yeah, it's definitely
a change of face. It's new for me. Uh you know,
but you know, I mean I'm excited. I'm excited for
what what what's to come? And you know, obviously I'm
gonna do some touring. I can't get trapped down. I
(07:58):
heard is if you get if you time it up wrong,
you can be stuck somewhere for three hours I'm had
I time it up right confirmed? Yeah, but no, man,
I'm excited. I'm excited to give my family here. Uh,
my wife and my two kids. I'm excited for them
come see the city. My son has this infatuation with
New York. Don't know where it came from before I
even signed, Like, don't know where it came from. So
(08:20):
excited to get him down here. Man. But you know,
just ready for this, this next step of our our
chapter in our journey. All right, finally, do you have
any connections with with any of the guys or coaches
here that you've talked to you and what have they
told you? Yeah? So obviously Coach Grow you know, he
was an ind with me, um, and he's he's just
really told me about obviously Dave's, Joe, UM, the offense, UM,
(08:45):
starting with Dave's and Joe, just how they really care
about the players. UM, and you know how they always
put the players first, and you know that's what matters
the most of them. Um. You know, so obviously I
just welcoming to here, um and then just talking about
the offense, he I said, like, he told me how
it's just free, how guys have freedom to be theirselves
in the offense. Obviously, you know there's some limitations, but
(09:07):
as far as like getting out on the field and
getting open, like he said, there's a lot of freedom. Um,
and you know, I think that's the best thing because
guys aren't robots. Guys are out there just being themselves,
using their talents and um, you know, playing how they
see fit. Because at the end of the day, like
players know how to play, so just just let them
go play. And obviously, um, you know, just having my
(09:29):
my my past with girl, me and him are close,
h you know, so having a familiar face here helps. Um.
And actually I'm in Arizona right now training Isaiah Hodgens
is out there training with me, and you know, so
he's He's told me so much just about the offense,
the organization, the people, the facilities, everything. Man, and having
him out there and training with him is It's cool
(09:51):
because I'm kind of you know, getting to know him
and we're kind of building relationship. So excited for that
to continue on. So yeah, and then obviously you know
Bobby Okaya ka uh, that's my guy through and through,
So excited to you know, embark on his new journey
with him as well, you've talked to all these guys,
are you like sitting there on the plane and visioning
how they're gonna use you in this offense already? Yeah, No,
(10:12):
for sure. Like my flight here, I'm just I'm so
I haven't stopped smiling, to be honest with you, but
I'm just excited. Man. Like you know, Coach Daves, he
FaceTime he like three times yesterday. Uh, and like that,
like for that, like that that just does so much
for me because like every head coaching league's not just
FaceTime and his guys, man, you know what I mean. Like,
(10:33):
so that says a lot just from Jump Street, um
and just talking to him about you know, my style
of play and you know what he likes and what
he sees. Um. You know. Just I'm just excited, man,
I'm just I think it just comes down to that.
I'm just excited. But we can't wait to see on
the field. I'm making those dreams coming to Paris. You
appreciate the time, Thanks so much, Thank you, appreciate you.
And now we're joined by one of the newest members
of the Giants, wide receiver Jeff Smith. Jeff, why did
(10:55):
you decide to come to New York. I just knew
as soon as he as soon as my agent told
me that that they were interested, that y'all were interested
in me coming here. I'm familiar with the place, you know.
I just had a son who's still you know, still growing,
and I'm just I'm just familiar with the with the area.
So it just made made the most sense. You know,
I should have said, come to the New York Giants.
(11:17):
You were already in New York, given you were from
the Jets. So is that kind of nice enough to
worry about, like moving and all that stuff. You're just
kind of moving to the other side of the state.
It is nice. Uh, definitely. Yeah. So we were, of
course way further into New Jersey. So it is nice
to being over here next to the water, being able
to see the city. I know my wife is gonna
want a spot seeing the city, so we'll probably talk
(11:37):
about that today. So yeah, if you describe your game
for Giant fans, how would you describe it speed fast,
I'm gonna work hard and and I'm gonna ball. How
do you think that's going to apply to what the
Giants are gonna want you to do here? Uh? Definitely,
you know, bringing a different aspect to speed to the game. Um,
just being able to play multiple spots on the field
(12:00):
and doing doing whatever they need me to do. Yeah,
you talk about your versatility playing multiple spots offensively, you've
kind of seen what Brian dablemcaffic like to do. How
do you think they can utilize your skill set best? Uh?
Like I said, like the one thing I talked talk
to them the most about is just being able to
utilize my speed to the best of the ability for
(12:20):
the team. So whichever way they have me, whether that's
running deep passes or getting short passes to you know,
find a seam somewhere. So just whatever they need me
to do. And then you've played a lot of different
special teams unit you've been a gunner, kickoff return, punt return.
Uh tell fans why special teams are important to you
because they have to be in order for you to
be good at it right and and what you bring
(12:40):
to the field on specials. So special teams, I think
that's the main reason why I'm still able to first
of all, sit in this seat here. You know, that's
kind of helped me keep my job for the past
four years. So it's been very special to me being
able to feed feed my family now. So I think
that's just how you earn your your space on the team,
you know, that's how you earn the respect of your teammates.
(13:01):
And I'm looking forward to it give me more chances
on the offensive side of the ball too. Given your local,
were you able to kind of keep an eyeing the
Giants last year and see how well they did in
the first year in their new regime. Definitely. Yeah. So
we had a couple of teammates from there that I've
played with for the past couple of years coming here
at night, and it was dope to see them be
able to come here and actually play and you know,
(13:24):
get to experience that. So it's definitely something that you
obviously see because we're in the same stadium, So it
was cool to see that too. Can you tell me
about some of those connections and what they've told you
before you got here? Oh? Yes, I talked to you know,
Lawrence Cagre, Tianna and Jason Pennock. You know, they they
love it here and they obviously got the opportunity to play,
(13:45):
and so I hit them up whenever I found out
that that I was coming here. You know, I asked
them like where I should live at and things like that.
So I'm looking forward to looking forward to it for sure.
What did they tell you about what happens inside the
building that got you excited about becoming a giant? Just
like the overall just camaraderie of the organization, the community,
(14:07):
locker room and things like that. So, um, just looking
forward to being able to meet the guys you know,
reach out in the community as well. And I'm just real,
real blessed to be here today. We talked to you
about you on the field, how about off the field?
What are the giants getting in you as a locker
room guy? As a person, I'm definitely a guy you know,
whether things are going on where or not, I'm gonna
(14:28):
support my guys no matter what. Um. You know, I'm
a guy that's gonna lift them up when they're down
and things like that, because you know, I've been having
a fight from my spot for like so long, so
I know what it's like to you know, maybe be
somewhere that you don't want to be. UM. So it's
kind of like be that voice of like reason, that
voice of just like um, I guess like encouragement um
and just go out there with my guys and b Finally,
(14:51):
have you had a chance to lobby yet to use
your old quarterbacking skill play stuff out offense? I have not,
but I'm definitely going to. For sure, that's not that's
that's gonna be one of the little rankles to my
game too. For sure. I was surprised that I didn't
that I didn't see any of that. But the Jets,
to be quite honest with you, Hey, they don't mount
the more. We're gonna use it here at some point,
(15:11):
for sure, that's what we'd like to hear. Hey, Jeff,
good stuff. Man. Welcome to the Giants. Appreciate the time.
And now we're joined by one of the newest members
of the Giants, defensive lineman Rakim new Year's rochest Verkeim.
Welcome to New York. Man, man, thank you for having me.
Why did you pick New York? A lot of the
size and factness, but I mean where the organization is
that and where they're trying to go. I like that direction.
(15:31):
I felt like I can be you know a part
of the calls. Okay, you mentioned where they're at and
where they're going. What impressed you about this organization and
what they did last year. In the first year of
this new regime, I mean, in the beginning, y'all, y'all
a roller, you know what I'm saying, five and one
sits and one of y'all doing great things. I know
everything came to a halt, but you got young, great players,
You got defense that has a camaraderie of trying to
(15:52):
do things. But there was a little you know, leaks
in there, and I felt like I can fail that void.
As you're excited to play next to guys like Leonard
Williams and Dexter. Come on, you have a dominant two
guys right there that just do everything that you ask
some of them, and then I just felt like that
load was very heavy and if I can come here
and take some of that off of them, guys hitting
almost a thousand snaps a year, and that's that's an't
(16:14):
heard of. I know you're superstar guys, but I could
just help a little bit. I feel like they can
go to the postseason and do what they need to do.
Now you have some experience playing next to studs inside.
You're with Vita Vea down there in Tampa Bay. What
is it like playing against the playing next to a
guy like that who is a little different but as
effective as Dexter, but different ways. I mean, playing against
superstar guys like Vitavey and the Dominican Sue. You have
(16:36):
a sense of urgency about yourself. When these guys want
to come off the field, there doesn't need to be
any drop off. So you know, you raised your sense
of awareness, your sense of competition, because, like I said,
you don't want anything to change right now off the field,
and you also want them to be able to depend
on you. So guys like that make you a better player,
and you also push down what you like about Winking
(16:58):
his system that makes you think you're gonna fit well.
I mean, we're gonna be hands on. I get sitt
in the gap, put my hands on somebody, w play
double team. Things that I like to do. I love
to play blocks. I'm not always just getting up to feel.
I want to be assignment sound football. Let's the linebacker
scrape and do what they need to do and let
me just hold them off of them. I know the
system is a little bit different, but very similar aggressive
(17:20):
style to what Todd bowls out down there right exactly
and you're seeing what I was there to do down there.
I feel like I can do the same, if not
better here. If you describe your game to giant fans
in one world, what would have been dominant aggressive? Can
you get into why those two words? I mean, you
don't find a lot of people that really are in
(17:41):
love with the physicality of what it takes to be
a great detackle. And I live for those double teams.
I'm looking for those double shots every time. Maybe if
you gotta come chip with a tight end, come on,
bring it. But I sit in there looking for that,
and I like to play on the other side of
the ball. Anybody that you know here, that you've connected to,
talked about before you got here, coaches the play on
(18:02):
a personal level. I can't really say that, like I
knew generally about you know, a couple of players. But
that's all I'm here for to make that connection. That's
what TAS is for. Talk about yourself off the field.
What kind of guy in the locker room are the
giants getting and what are giant fans going to see
from you off the field? To be honest, just a
true profession like I do everything right as far as
(18:23):
with my family. I try to tell people, you know,
I'm trying to be the father I didn't have. So
as you see, my families here with me, take them
everywhere I go. Aside of that, I do a lot
of investing. Aside of that, I do a lot, you know,
with the community, but just doing things that you don't
always see, Like we don't have to always do the
flashy stuff. We don't always have to go to the mall.
We don't always have to do that. Like what makes
(18:45):
you a better man? What makes you a better person
outside of football? Because it's not gonna last forever? Looking
forward to again a tastion of New York City a
little bit. How much have you been here? Oh? I've
been here two days and I love it. The view,
the food is at Macklin, the weather, everything else. I
am loving that. I'm not gonna ry. It's not Florida,
oh no, not by long shot. But it definitely has
(19:06):
this perks about it. And I'm excided to go see
what the c has offered. All Right, I saved the
serious stuff for last. Where Nacho come from? Oh? I
felt like I just did the same question, but I
mean it really just came from first year in camp.
I was eating nachos. If you ever been in the
meeting room, it's very quiet, and I just had a
(19:28):
snack and I was just eating and uh, Dante post
like damn notch and it just like stuck and then
it just kind of built from there. And then the
guys was like, you know, you think it's your tackle,
but it's nachos because it's always husted to the ball.
You like it, Yes, sir, I got a nacho right here,
so I'm in love with it. I guess that was
the kiss. It's great having you here, man. Then we
(19:50):
look forward to seeing on the field. Thank you for
having me. We think Paris, Jeff and rakim aka Nacho
for joining us. And by the way, you know he
showed at the end of that answer, his last answer,
he's wearing a big silver chain and I was trying
to figure out all interview what it was and it's
literally a nacho a cheese dripping off of it, so
niedless to say, he is embracing the nacho part of
(20:13):
his persona. All three cmlike really good guys, all have families, adults,
mature good guys, so three good additions to the giants
that should help in all three phases offense, defense, and
special teams. Thank you for joining us on this episode
of the Giants Little Podcast, brought to you by psc
ANDNG Energy Efficiency for game time and anytime, visit PSG
(20:34):
dot com slash Giants for discount threebates and home energy assessments.
Next week, probably Tuesday, we're gonna be joined by former
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitrov, who is now the CEO
of Sumer Sports, who's kind of a consulting firm and
analytics company for NFL teams. So we've really interesting talk
about what they're doing, but more importantly kind of what
the Giants offseason has looked like and how they build
(20:56):
moving forward. So make sure you stay tuned on next
week for that. In the meantime, enjoy everything we've done
this week. You have this episode, go back listen to
the Darren Waller and Bobby O. Karake interviews if you
haven't done that already. Really great content, and thank you
for being with us. We'll see you next time on
the Giants Huddle
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