Hyatt wants to create 'own legacy' after switching to No. 13

Although New York Giants wideout Jalin Hyatt is switching his jersey to No. 13 for the upcoming season, the rookie insists he isn't trying to emulate Giants legend Odell Beckham Jr.

"There's no story behind it. I just want to start my own legacy with it and do my best for the Giants in No. 13," Hyatt said, according to team editor Michael Eisen.

OBJ famously wore No. 13 while with the Giants from 2014-18, compiling 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns on 390 receptions during that span. The recently released David Sills donned the number during the preseason, while Hyatt sported No. 84.

Hyatt met Beckham during the pre-draft process while both were working out in Arizona.

"I was surprised he knew who I was," said the 21-year-old Hyatt. "It shows a lot of love that he has for the Giants. A lot of respect for him."

The Tennessee product lauded OBJ's time in New York, which featured three Pro Bowls, two second-team All-Pro selections, and an Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, he again asserted he's not trying to echo Beckham's legacy.

"What he did here - had a great career with the Giants and kind of took over," Hyatt said. "I was a fan when I was young watching him. ... But just with the jersey number, it's just one of those things I wanted to start my own legacy. I like low numbers, and if I had to choose a number it'd be 11, but it's retired here, so can't go with that one, so 13 would be the next option."

Beckham appears to be in favor of Hyatt donning the number.

ROCK OUT ONE THREE @jalinhyatt

- Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) August 31, 2023

The Giants selected Hyatt with the No. 73 pick in the 2023 draft. He hauled in 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final campaign with the Volunteers.

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