Former Giants coach defends star player Malik Nabers against character questions from broadcast analyst
Former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has come to the defense of star wide receiver Malik Nabers against broadcast analyst Greg Olsen's criticism of the player's sideline demeanor.
When his character came into question, Giants star wideout Malik Nabers took to social media to respond to former player and TV analyst Greg Olsen, who criticized the receiver's sideline demeanor during Sunday's broadcast. One former New York Giants coach is running to Nabers' defense.
Martindale's Defense
Ex-Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who had a messy split with the team in 2024, harbors no bad blood toward the receiver and spoke up to defend Nabers against Olsen's critique.
I'm with Malik on this. Somebody put that in his ear, whether it's to keep his contract down for the next year when they want to extend him or whatever it is, I don't know. But just keep playing.
Martindale added his support during an appearance on Giants insider Pat Leonard's "Talkin' Ball" podcast, where he also expressed his admiration for Nabers' competitiveness.
Olsen's Criticism
During the Giants' visit to Philadelphia, Olsen and boothmate Joe Davis repeatedly pointed to Nabers' "negative" body language on the sideline, specifically calling him out for pouting after a Giants drive finished with an Isaiah Likely touchdown.
His body language has been terrible today.
Olsen elaborated on his concerns, noting that while great receivers demand the ball, there's a fine line between being competitive and detracting from teammates' success.
When your teammate catches a wide-open touchdown, you need to be the happiest guy on the field. You can't still be worried about your targets.
Nabers' Performance
Despite showing visible frustration during the Giants' 19-11 win in Philadelphia, where he had five catches for 43 yards after four straight 100-yard games, Nabers' commitment was never questioned by his locker room.
Martindale suggested the criticism might be amplified because Nabers plays in New York, comparing the situation to how John Harbaugh's great players have faced similar scrutiny.
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