Jeremy Shockey has taken his share of hits in the past for decisions he’s made not to work out with his team during the offseason.

But Shockey is on board as the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints gear up for their title defense, reports Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Shockey spent most of the offseason with the team a year ago and that is a departure from what he did during his days as a member of the New York Giants. In those days, Shockey spent most of the offseason working out in Miami. It should be noted that the offseason workout programs are voluntary, something that is often forgotten.

"You know, it's hard working out in New York when it's cold outside and you have to work indoors. It's great weather here, and I have no excuse not to be here,” Shockey told Triplett. "We work all the time. Today we worked on routes with Drew (Brees) and everything. So I'm here a lot of the time. And if I'm not here it's for a good reason."

If the quarterback is putting the time in, it stands to reason his targets should be putting the time in as well. Shockey could also realize that heading into his ninth season – and making good coin – he needs to invest the time to remain at the top of his game. He’s missed seven games over the last two seasons in New Orleans and needs to make sure he is healthy going into the season. The Saints might have an eventual replacement on board now too after they drafted Miami’s Jimmy Graham.

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