Early on in organized team activities (OTAs), New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger was spotted looking particularly buff.
Bellinger had his sleeves rolled up and his guns out, which led to a viral moment.
Daniel Bellinger as a rookie vs. Daniel Bellinger at today's OTA (photo credit via #NYGiants)#armday pic.twitter.com/pF8OfueXFz
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 2, 2023
“Our strength staff, they do a good job of talking with the players, developing a plan. I’m not sure if with Bellinger the biceps was a major part of that,” offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said last week.
“He’s done a nice job of that. He came in great shape. He has done a great job. He’s taken a nice step from year one to year two. He’s continuing to grow. That’s what we’re looking for.”
During the final practice of minicamp on Wednesday, Bellinger again had his sleeves rolled up so that all could see the gun show.
Bellinger showing off again. pic.twitter.com/vGA5wD2YKX
— The Giant Insider Newspaper & Podcast (@GiantInsider) June 14, 2023
While meeting with reporters after practice, Bellinger was asked about the viral photo and had a little fun with the whole thing.
“(When I saw the photo), I was like that’s some really good lighting,” Bellinger said with a laugh. “The camera guy got me right on that one.”
Bellinger insists that he was not flexing when the photo was taken. Rather, the muscle mass increase was the result of an improved diet and a full year in the NFL’s strength and conditioning program.
“I mean, this offseason compared to last, I’m not focusing on the combine and stuff like that. I was able to focus on more weightlifting, just getting better,” he said. “It was a mix of obviously working out. But nutrition, focusing more on that. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, did you gain weight?’ Realistically I’m the same weight if not a little bit lighter. Just more muscle and less fat. It’s a good thing.”
There are no plans for Bellinger to slow down, either. While the team has departed for summer break, his work has just gotten started. Bellinger will be attending Tight End University with George Kittle and Travis Kelce next week.
“Excited for that,” Bellinger said. “Just sit down with those guys and, again, pick their brain. I can watch their film all day, kind of try to mimic what they do on the field. At the same time, I have to kind of create my own way of doing it. Really just trying to think about how they think and their process when they’re on the field before play.”
As it relates to the arrival of Darren Waller, Bellinger welcomes it with open arms — massive open arms. Whether his targets decrease or not, Bellinger says he’s happy to have Waller in the building and will do whatever he can to help the team win.
