Parris Campbell Embracing Fresh Start with Giants

Campbell is looking forward to expanding his skillset in the Giants' offense.

It's been rough for New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell since he turned pro.

Injuries in his first three seasons as a member of the Indianapolis Colts, the team that drafted him in the second round in 2019, limited him to just 15 games while also generating a lot of questions if the former Ohio State Buckey was headed for "Bustville."

But then, last year, the 6-foot, 208-pound receiver finally kicked the injury bug and put together the type of season the Colts likely envisioned him having when they drafted him. Campbell produced 63 receptions for 623 yards and three receiving touchdowns, all single-season career highs.

But the production wasn't enough for the Colts to make a serious push to retain him, and so Campbell hit free agency, landing with the Giants on a one-year deal where he hopes to add to the team's overall speed.

"It's been great. I've enjoyed my time here thus far," Campbell said after the Giants wrapped up their two-day mandatory minicamp.

"The culture was the first thing that stood out to me. It's really a family atmosphere. From the guys in the locker room to the coaching staff to the front office, just everyone, you can kind of feel that family nature. I’ve just been trying to buy in since day one. But I've enjoyed myself. They've welcomed me like one of their own."

Campbell smiled when asked about the speed this receiver group offered.

"Yeah, this is probably the fastest total complete group that I've played with in my career. I mean, we’ve got speed all across the board. It's speed that can do a lot of different things. It's not just guys running in a straight line fast; it's ball in the hands fast, in their routes fast. We complement each other. I'm excited for what's to come."

In addition to running routes to stretch the field, Campbell could be asked to run a few plays out of the backfield, as he's been spotted this spring taking handoffs and doing some fundamental drills with the running backs. Campbell, who has 11 career carries for 108 yards (9.8 average), said he's enjoying having his role diversified.

"It's not new to me. It's something that I've done playing football before. But it's also fun for me," he said. "It's something that I like to do because they're using me in different ways. I feel like that's something I'm good at, too, out on the football field. Getting some reps back there is good."

So too, is the fresh start the Giants are giving him after some trepidation about free agency Campbell admitted to having.

"Free agency was a little funny, was a little weird," he confessed. "As you guys know, the receiver market was kind of slow the first couple of days. Deep down in my heart, having been in Indy for four years, it was kind of scary.

"It was scary, the thought of having to go somewhere new, move my family, all that stuff. But when I thought about it, it was a new opportunity. Shoot, since day one, it's been nothing but good so far.

"I've been enjoying myself. I've been having fun on the football field with the guys, getting to know these guys. It's a blessing. At first, I wasn't sure about leaving, but it's been a good opportunity for me." 

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