Malik Nabers is building on a promising rookie season with the New York Giants, where he established a new franchise record for the most receptions in a single year. As the 2025-26 season approaches, the 22-year-old wide receiver from LSU is eager to elevate his performance, especially as he prepares to work alongside quarterback Russell Wilson and a revamped quarterback lineup.
Despite setbacks from injuries during spring and early training camp, Nabers remains confident that he will achieve top-tier production in his sophomore campaign, maintaining his status as a crucial offensive weapon for the Giants.
Paying Homage to a Lost Friend Through his Touchdown Celebrations
Nabers has dedicated a meaningful element to his scoring celebrations that reflects his personal connection and respect for a departed teammate. The wideout revealed plans to honor Kyren Lacy, his close friend and former LSU teammate who tragically passed away in April, by incorporating one of Lacy’s signature touchdown dances into his own.
My great friend who passed away this year, (former LSU receiver) Kyren Lacy, he used to do a dance …. I’m going to be switching out of those dances that he used to do when we used to play together,
Nabers shared during an appearance with Mike Golic Jr. and Giants legend Victor Cruz, as seen on Bleacher Report’s YouTube channel.
Just to honor him and make sure everybody remembers his name. I just want to show gratitude to him.
This tribute reveals the deep bond Nabers had with Lacy and his desire to keep his memory alive on the field.
Anticipated Impact of Russell Wilson on Nabers’ Development
While Nabers faced challenges during his rookie year due to limited quarterback play, the addition of Russell Wilson to the Giants’ offense offers hope for unlocking his full potential. Last season, Nabers tallied 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns, demonstrating an impressive ability to get open and make big plays despite suboptimal quarterback support.
The veteran Wilson, fresh off winning Super Bowl XLVIII, has earned praise from Nabers not only for his on-field skills but also for the quality of rehabilitation guidance he provides. The receiver described Wilson’s physical therapy team as
the best he has ever been around.
This mentorship could be a key factor in Nabers’ continued growth and durability moving forward.
Rookie Quarterback Jaxson Dart Emerges as a Crucial Partner
Beyond his relationship with Wilson, the greater spotlight may fall on Nabers’ growing partnership with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. The two New York Giants teammates previously clashed as opponents during the 2023 LSU-Ole Miss matchup and have since been forging a strong bond off the field, including multiple dinners together.
The Giants currently plan to start Wilson this season, but Dart remains a viable candidate to take over the starting quarterback role if circumstances change. Nabers is optimistic about Dart’s potential, having witnessed his competitor’s tenacity firsthand during a friendly basketball game.
We were playing basketball at Russell’s house in San Diego, and me and him got into it… I just wanted to see if he was really a little dog. So, I got up to him and I was like ‘yeah, what you wanna do?’ He stepped straight up to me, and I was like ‘OK, me and you flow.’
— Malik Nabers
This competitive dynamic between the two promising players suggests a passionate and hardworking partnership that could pay dividends for the Giants’ passing game in the coming years.
Fostering Optimism for the Future of the Giants’ Offense
Malik Nabers’ motivation remains focused on catalyzing a major turnaround for the New York Giants in 2025, even as he manages ongoing toe and shoulder injuries. The wide receiver represents the first truly game-changing playmaker the franchise has acquired in several years, fueling excitement for what lies ahead in the Meadowlands.
The chemistry developing between Nabers and the quarterbacks on roster hints at a revitalized passing attack capable of producing consistent highlights and victories. Fans and the organization alike are hopeful that this youthful core will build a lasting foundation for success.