Former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has publicly defended receiver Malik Nabers after Fox broadcaster Greg Olsen questioned the wideout’s sideline demeanor during the Giants’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
“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 said, appearing on Giants insider Pat Leonard’s “Talkin’ Ball” podcast.
“I love the kid. I love his competitiveness.”
During the broadcast of the Giants’ game in Philadelphia, Olsen and booth partner Joe Davis repeatedly pointed to what they described as negative body language from Nabers on the sideline. The analysts also noted his reaction after a Giants drive ended with a touchdown catch by Isaiah Likely.
“His body language has been terrible today,” Davis said during the broadcast.
Olsen went further, framing his critique around the balance star receivers must strike between competitiveness and team-first behavior.
“I have played with a lot of really good wide receivers, a lot [of] really good players. There’s never been a great wide receiver who hasn’t demanded the ball. That kind of comes with the territory. But there is a very fine line between being demanding, being a competitor, and all those great things. That’s great. It just can never cross that it feels like it takes away from the success of your teammates. So 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. That’s the fine line. He is a talented, young, really good player. You’ve just got to keep it in check.”
Martindale pushed back on the idea that Nabers’ behavior was out of the ordinary for a competitive player under a high-profile head coach.
“Think about all the great players that John Harbaugh’s coached. Does he get blown up more because it’s in New York? Of course it does. But it’s nothing new for John.”
Martindale’s own tenure with the Giants ended on rocky terms. His time as defensive coordinator came apart in January 2024 after head coach Brian Daboll fired defensive assistants Martindale trusted. Martindale reportedly clashed sharply with Daboll before the sides mutually parted ways.
Nabers showed visible frustration during the Giants’ 19-11 victory in Philadelphia, a game in which he caught five passes for 43 yards after four consecutive 100-yard performances. Despite the broadcast criticism, his commitment was not questioned inside the Giants’ locker room. Teammates have publicly described him as a good teammate, with running back Cam Skattebo saying Nabers’ frustration when he isn’t targeted reflects a competitive edge his teammates “love to see.”
