"I still stand on what I said": Malik Nabers says calling Giants ‘Soft’ was wrong, but he’s unapologetic about speaking his mind

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers recently found himself at the center of a media storm following his candid post-game comments after a disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The young receiver expressed frustration over his limited involvement in the first half of the game, attributing it to the team's low number of offensive plays.

Malik Nabers reflects on controversial comments after Giants' loss

In the heat of the moment, Nabers called the team "soft," a comment that quickly drew attention. However, after reflecting on the game and having discussions with Giants' head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, he reconsidered his choice of words. "Soft" was acknowledged as a poor description of the team’s performance. He clarified that the issue was not a lack of effort, but rather a deficiency in technique. “I don’t think it was really soft. I think it was just a lack of technique,” Nabers said. “We were playing our butts off, we just lacked technique.”

The Giants’ offensive struggles were evident, with the team trailing 23-0 at halftime and only running 19 plays. Despite being ignored in the first half, Nabers finished the game with six catches for 64 yards, leading the team in receiving. His comments after the loss were seen as a reflection of his competitive spirit, and not an attack on his teammates. “It was just the competitor in me talking,” he stated, defending his need to voice his opinions.


Nabers, a highly anticipated No. 6 overall draft pick, also addressed the criticism he faced for speaking out as a rookie. He emphasized that, despite his lack of experience, he is a crucial part of the team and is expected to contribute. “I’m not going to just sit back just because I’m a younger guy and not speak on how I feel,” he explained. His words came from a place of passion, as he is determined to help turn the team’s fortunes around. “That’s just how I’m wired. That’s just who I am,” he said. “I just don’t like losing. If I feel like if I had an opportunity to help the team win, I’m going to express that.”

“So, yeah, if I had an opportunity to go back and change the words I said, I would,” he said. “But, I still stand on what I said. I said it. I don’t have no regrets with what I said. But like I said, as I look at it on the film, we just lacked technique.”

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While Nabers admitted that some of his language could have been toned down, he stood by the intent behind his comments. With 67 receptions for 671 yards and three touchdowns through his first nine games, the rookie receiver’s strong performances continue to showcase his potential and determination.