ALBANY, N.Y. – Four seasons in the NFL haven’t changed Jeremy Shockey. The three-time Pro Bowl tight end is still playing hard, partying hard, dying to win a championship and saying things that raise the eyebrows of New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin.

In an interview with reporters Sunday that was mostly positive about the Giants’ chances this season, Shockey criticized his lack of patience, noted that the team’s offense limits him and said that Coughlin can be annoyingly stubborn at times.

“I play hard,” Shockey said during a break at the Giants’ training camp. “In life, I live hard. I play hard on the field. That’s just my mentality.”

Despite catching 65 passes for 891 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl berth and winning the NFC East title, he was frustrated at times last season.

“It’s an easy adjustment when you have a head coach who really wants to win, but he can be an ass sometimes,” Shockey said. “But that’s what your head coach can be. That’s what you need.”

Shockey also pointed out his own faults, saying he can get faster, catch the ball better, run more precise routes, block better and be more patient. One thing that Shockey won’t change is the way he plays.

He goes all out all the time and it has left him with nagging injuries all season. His left hand had a red welt Sunday, and the Giants haven’t had any hitting drills yet.

It’s the same off the field, where he says that controversy makes him play better.

“Everyone knows I drink here and everyone knows I go out and party but I take good care of my body,” said Shockey, adding he doesn’t drink to excess. “I take vitamins every day. I get acupuncture, massages, tons of things to keep my body healthy.

Shockey, who signed a five-year, $31 million contract extension last year, would like to play 10 years. The league’s highest-paid tight end also wants to leave without limping. He will quit when he sees his talents diminishing and he won’t stay around just to set a record.

“I don’t think you can tell how long a person can play,” he said. “Maybe I’ll get finer with age as wine.”