New York Giants wideout Victor Cruz has admitted that last season wasn't easy for ex-teammate Hakeem Nicks.

Nicks departed the Giants for the Indianapolis Colts this summer, after an unproductive campaign in which he recorded 56 catches despite 102 targets. He also failed to register a single touchdown.

Cruz watched on as his close friend's form dipped and he subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Colts - who the Giants play in pre-season on Saturday.

He told reporters: "I think Hakeem now wants to prove people wrong. He wants to show that he's a team guy and show that he gives his all. I think the fresh start for him in Indy is gonna be just that, so we'll see how it goes.

"He's a competitor and he wants do things at a high level. Last year, you could just see certain times throughout the game it just didn't look like he was himself.

"I just tried to stay in his ear and keep him positive but it was a tough year for him and I'm happy he's in a clear mind now. It's going to be weird seeing him against us. I was watching him this past week in that good old Colts jersey, and it's just not the same."

Nicks has 27 touchdowns across five seasons in the NFL.