Isaiah Hodgins, the newfound New York Giants wide receiver who has shown flashes in recent weeks, credits his success to talking trash.
“Trash-talking’s definitely part of the game. I definitely love that part,” Hodgins told The New York Post.
“Personally, it gets me going into a different mode. Like last game, I kind of started it like personally just because of that mindset that I went into the game with,” Hodges continued. “But if someone comes up to me like first and starts talking trash—it puts me in a whole different mode. I’m like, ‘Let’s go throw a ‘go’ ball on him right now.’ I’m trying to back this trash talk up. I never let it get me mad or out of my zone.
“Defensive backs can talk all they want, but I love that part, so I just accept it for what it is and talk right back.”
There is perhaps no greater trash-talking cornerback than Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson.
The two faced off last week in a 24-27 Giants loss in Minnesota. Hodgins, the former Oregon State Beavers product, finished the game with eight receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Hodgins said he initiated the trash talk after his second catch of the game against the NFL veteran.
“I just feel like sometimes it throws DBs off and helps them know your mindset,” Hodgins told The Post. “Like, ‘Yeah, I’m coming to attack, and I’m coming to attack all game.’ So they know, like, ‘All right, This is no slouch. I gotta bring my A-game.'”
The Giants will clinch a spot in the 2023 NFL playoffs with a win on New Year’s Day over the Indianapolis Colts.
