Malik Nabers refused to let a TV crew define his character after Sunday’s win. The Giants wide receiver called the broadcast critique a “lie” and said he will keep speaking his mind.
Calling Out the Narrative
Fox play-by-play man Joe Davis and analyst Greg Olsen spent time talking about Nabers during the game. They pointed to his reaction on the sideline and claimed his body language was poor. Nabers saw this on social media and decided to strike back. “I just feel like the narrative on me is always all the bad body language things that people have been saying,” Nabers said in comments reported by the New York Post. He said he will not change his behavior to please strangers watching from home.
The criticism came after a tough first half where the Giants struggled to score. Nabers spiked his helmet when his team only managed field goals. His streak of four straight 100-yard games ended in that contest, leaving him with 43 yards on five catches. “One thing about it is that I’m an ultimate competitor whether it’s going [well] or if it’s going bad,” Nabers told reporters per the New York Post. He said his intense style comes from a deep passion for the sport, not anger, and he expects others to share that passion.
A Direct Challenge to Olsen
The former NFL tight end Greg Olsen suggested Nabers was unhappy for teammate Isaiah Likely after a touchdown. Olsen implied Nabers was not a good teammate because of how he carried himself on the field. Nabers rejected this idea entirely and said he has never been called a bad teammate before. “I feel like that was just a lie, attacking my character as a football player and as a teammate,” Nabers stated according to ESPN. He noted that he holds everyone to a high standard of playing “mean” and getting the team fired up.
Nabers said he would welcome a simple conversation with Olsen if the analyst wants to talk. He wants to clear the air but will not apologize for his competitiveness. “If he wants to reach out, he can reach out. We can have a civil conversation,” Nabers said per the New York Post. The Giants star emphasized that no one else can speak for him, so he must use his own voice to set the record straight.
Focus Shifts to Washington
The Giants (5-2-1) hold first place in their division after beating the Eagles 19-11. Nabers said he is already moving past the broadcast drama to focus on the next opponent. He mentioned that the long year of rehab he endured to return from a torn ACL, fuels his drive this season. The team now prepares for a Thursday night game against the Washington Commanders. That matchup is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, at 8:15 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
