Ex-New York Giants captain Jonathan Casillas can see Malik Nabers in leadership role
Ex-New York Giants captain Jonathan Casillas can see Malik Nabers in leadership role
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers may only be 21 years old, but he's showing signs of putting his stamp on the team both on the field and in the locker room.
As a rookie, Nabers led the team in receptions and injected life into a team that had been D.O.A. the season before. Off the field, Nabers was vocal regarding his usage, wanting the football more even though he was second in the NFL in targets in 2024.
Former Giants linebacker and captain, Jonathan Casillas, recently told Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News that he believes Nabers is on his way to becoming a leader on this transitioning roster.
'He's young, and he might have said some things out of pocket last year as a young, diva-like receiver,' Casillas said on the Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard podcast. 'But Malik Nabers, I think people value the things he says. I think [Brian] Daboll values the things he says.
'I want to highlight him because not just do I think he was a tremendous talent last year, I do think he was trying to step into that leadership role,' Casillas added. 'I think he sensed there was kind of a vacancy there, with the carousel at the quarterback position and QB play that hasn't really been there for a few years. I think he wanted to step up and be that guy.'
Last year, Nabers was frustrated with both the team's losing ways and perhaps his game-costing drop in an early-season loss in Washington. He spoke out in the media, which is normally frowned upon when it comes to young players, especially rookies.
'They want me to speak up,' Nabers said of Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. 'They feel like my energy helps the offense, in a way, to be explosive. So of course I'm going to speak up if something doesn't go my way. That's just how I am. I won't just sit back and let it go down just because I'm a young player. Clout don't mean nothing.'
Nabers will surely be the Giants' go-to receiver again this year, no matter who the team plays at quarterback. Veteran Russell Wilson called Nabers a "freak of an athlete" and sees a solid future between them.
"This guy, when he touches the ball, he may score every single time. He's been exciting," Wilson said in April. "Got to talk to him along the way. He's fired up and we've had a lot of good conversations so far."
First-round pick Jaxson Dart is likely to get some snaps this year and beyond at quarterback. He is also looking forward to playing with Nabers, as are Giant fans.
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