INDIANAPOLIS — Receiver Hakeem Nicks is the most acclaimed of Giants receivers. Victor Cruz has been the breakout star this season. But it is Mario Manningham who is on the cusp of history.
If Manningham can score a touchdown in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday vs. the Patriots, he will become just the third player since the playoffs expanded in 1978 to do so in four postseason games in the same season, according to Elias Sports Bureau — joining Broncos running back Terrell Davis following the 1997 season and receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the 2008 Cardinals.
“Oh, man,” Manningham said yesterday. “That’s a blessing.”
Manningham hauled in an Eli Manning pass for a 27-yard touchdown in the 24-2 wild-card win over the Falcons. Against the Packers in the Divisional round, he caught a 4-yard touchdown in the 37-20 rout. Manningham’s only reception in the 20-17 NFC Championship overtime victory in San Francisco was a 17-yard TD.
COMPLETE GIANTS SUPER BOWL COVERAGE
This is the 25-year-old Manningham’s first postseason — but it’s also possibly his last one as a Giant. He will be a free agent following the Super Bowl.
“I’ll worry about that Monday,” he said. “I want to enjoy this.”
Manningham probably is the Giants’ biggest free agent, but the organization might have to let him walk. Nicks and Cruz will need to be signed to extensions soon, and the Giants might be reluctant to spend so heavily for three receivers.
Manningham was taken in the third round (95th overall) by the Giants in the 2008 Draft — one pick after the Patriots took quarterback Kevin O’Connell, who has thrown six NFL passes.
Manningham also has a connection with current Patriots offensive assistant Josh McDaniels, whose father, Thom, was Manningham’s high school head coach. The elder McDaniels and Manningham have stayed in touch throughout the years, and Manningham said he still receives counsel from him.
“Everybody who puts on the uniform, your goal is to be here. Words can’t explain how I feel right now,” Manningham said. “It’s crazy. I still can’t believe I’m playing in the Super Bowl.”
With a chance to reach touchdown history.
mark.hale@nypost.com