Giants receiver Malik Nabers pushed back on social media after former NFL player and broadcaster Greg Olsen criticized his sideline demeanor during Sunday’s game. Former New York defensive coordinator Wink Martindale came to Nabers’ defense, saying he still has a lot of respect for the young receiver despite his own difficult departure from the team.
“I’m with Malik on this,” Martindale said on Pat Leonard’s podcast. He speculated that someone might be trying to influence the discussion around Nabers’ next contract, though he said he didn’t know for sure. “But just keep playing. I love the kid. I love his competitiveness.”
During New York’s 19-11 win in Philadelphia, Olsen and play-by-play announcer Joe Davis repeatedly commented on what they described as Nabers’ negative body language. They also noted that he appeared frustrated after a Giants drive ended with an Isaiah Likely touchdown.
“His body language has been terrible today,” Davis said.
Olsen said there was a difference between a receiver being competitive and letting frustration seem to overshadow a teammate’s success. He said great receivers often want the ball, but should still be happy when a teammate scores.
“When your teammate catches a wide-open touchdown, you need to be the happiest guy on the field,” Olsen said. “You can’t still be worried about your targets. That’s the fine line.” He added that Nabers was a talented young player who needed to keep his emotions in check.
Martindale said criticism of head coach John Harbaugh can attract extra attention because he works in New York, but added that Harbaugh has coached plenty of high-profile players before.
Martindale is familiar with tensions inside the Giants organization. His time with the team ended in January 2024 after a strained relationship with head coach Brian Daboll. The disagreement intensified after Daboll dismissed several defensive assistants Martindale trusted, and the two coaches eventually parted ways.
Nabers showed visible frustration in Philadelphia, finishing with five catches for 43 yards after four consecutive 100-yard games. Still, his commitment to his teammates was not questioned publicly in the locker room. Giants players described him as a good teammate, and running back Cam Skattebo said Nabers’ frustration when he isn’t getting targets reflects a competitive streak the team appreciates.
Former Giants coach supports star player Malik Nabers amid questions about his character from a TV commentator
Giants receiver Malik Nabers pushed back on social media after former NFL player and broadcaster Greg Olsen criticized his sideline demeanor during Sunday’s game. Former New York defensive coordinator Wink Martindale came to Nabers’ defense, saying he still has a lot of respect for the young receiver despite his own difficult departure from the team.
“I’m with Malik on this,” Martindale said on Pat Leonard’s podcast. He speculated that someone might be trying to influence the discussion around Nabers’ next contract, though he said he didn’t know for sure. “But just keep playing. I love the kid. I love his competitiveness.”
During New York’s 19-11 win in Philadelphia, Olsen and play-by-play announcer Joe Davis repeatedly commented on what they described as Nabers’ negative body language. They also noted that he appeared frustrated after a Giants drive ended with an Isaiah Likely touchdown.
“His body language has been terrible today,” Davis said.
Olsen said there was a difference between a receiver being competitive and letting frustration seem to overshadow a teammate’s success. He said great receivers often want the ball, but should still be happy when a teammate scores.
“When your teammate catches a wide-open touchdown, you need to be the happiest guy on the field,” Olsen said. “You can’t still be worried about your targets. That’s the fine line.” He added that Nabers was a talented young player who needed to keep his emotions in check.
Martindale said criticism of head coach John Harbaugh can attract extra attention because he works in New York, but added that Harbaugh has coached plenty of high-profile players before.
Martindale is familiar with tensions inside the Giants organization. His time with the team ended in January 2024 after a strained relationship with head coach Brian Daboll. The disagreement intensified after Daboll dismissed several defensive assistants Martindale trusted, and the two coaches eventually parted ways.
Nabers showed visible frustration in Philadelphia, finishing with five catches for 43 yards after four consecutive 100-yard games. Still, his commitment to his teammates was not questioned publicly in the locker room. Giants players described him as a good teammate, and running back Cam Skattebo said Nabers’ frustration when he isn’t getting targets reflects a competitive streak the team appreciates.
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