He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, primarily as a running back.

[3] Givens caught nine passes and one touchdown his rookie year for the New England Patriots in 2002, and improved in each of the next two seasons.

Beginning with the 2003 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, Givens scored at least one touchdown the Patriots' next seven playoff games, including both Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl XXXIX.

In 2005, Givens caught a career-high 59 passes and was the Patriots' number two receiver for the second year in a row.

His first season with the Titans ended prematurely in Week 10, after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.