Star-crossed Domenik Hixon’s Giants Tenure (Possibly) Ends Without Celebration

On July 15th at 5:00, what once looked like a promising Giants career ended with little fanfare. Return man/ called upon wide receiver Domenik Hixon was released, in favor of former six-round draft pick Adam Jennings from Atlanta, also a wideout.

Many will remember that Hixon required season ending surgery on his knee after an awkward cut on the first Giants practice on their new turf. The injury caused much alarm, or alarmism depending on your viewpoint, as to the safety of the turf at new Giants Stadium. Players and management took up both sides, and the fact that almost all NFL teams now use the same kind of turf was cited by defenders on both sides.

Regardless, this could be a sad way to end what at times looked like could be a beautiful friendship, to paraphrase the legendary Humphrey Bogart. There’s still a chance that if Hixon clears waivers he will be placed on Injured Reserve. However, there is no safety net here, if another team claims him, he’s all theirs.

Hixon had many highlights for the Big Blue. Many will remember his 74 yard kickoff return in the regular season finale against the undefeated New England Patriots. He also recovered a fumble in that postseason against the Green Bay Packers. After the Plaxico Burress fiasco, Hixon started and caught 4 passes for 102 yards in the first half before leaving with a concussion.

Of course, his career was more marked with promise than with actual results. Just as frustrating were the dropped passes that seemed to plague Hixon, as well as the injuries. Hopefully he clears waiver and can build upon the potential he’s shown so fleetingly on the field.