Contract speculation: former Giants coach defends star player Malik Nabers against character questions from broadcast analyst
Olsen criticizes Nabers’ demeanor
During the Giants’ Sunday game in Philadelphia, Greg Olsen and his broadcast partner, Joe Davis, repeatedly discussed Malik Nabers’ sideline body language, calling it “negative.” They also criticized him for appearing to pout after a Giants drive ended with an Isaiah Likely touchdown. Nabers responded to Olsen’s comments on social media, taking issue with the former player and television analyst’s assessment of his character.
Martindale backs the receiver
Wink Martindale, a former Giants defensive coordinator, publicly supported Nabers. Martindale left the team after a difficult split in 2024, but said he held no bad blood toward the receiver. Speaking on Giants insider Pat Leonard’s “Talkin’ Ball” podcast, Martindale said, “I’m with Malik on this.” He added that someone might have put the criticism in Olsen’s ear, possibly to keep Nabers’ contract down ahead of a future extension, while stressing that he did not know the reason.
Advice to keep playing
Martindale told Nabers to focus on football despite the criticism. “But just keep playing,” he said. Nabers is a star wide receiver for New York. The disagreement centers on how his sideline reactions were interpreted during the game, and whether those moments say anything about his character.
Key points
- Wink Martindale defended Malik Nabers after Greg Olsen criticized his sideline demeanor.
- Olsen and Joe Davis described Nabers’ body language as “negative” during the Giants’ visit to Philadelphia.
- Martindale speculated the criticism could affect Nabers’ future contract, but said he did not know why it was raised.
- Martindale urged Nabers to keep playing.