Jets star unexpectedly breaks rivalry code with glowing Malik Nabers praise

New York Giants fans better get used to it. Year in and year out, Malik Nabers will be the most transcendental football player on the roster. He shattered rookie records in 2024 — hauling in over 100 passes and surpassing 1,200 receiving yards — while catching passes from what might’ve been the NFL’s worst quarterback room.

And despite those challenges, all of that production came at just 21 years of age. It's clear that the former LSU standout is the school’s next great receiver—and a defensive back’s worst nightmare. Which makes the words of Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner hold that much more weight:

"He does a lot of things well — he’s got great hands, he’s got elite route running,” the two-time Pro Bowler told SNY. “He kind of reminds me of myself. He came into the league and immediately established himself as one of the top guys. That's my guy, we're cool outside of football and things like that as well." - Sauce Gardner

If Gardner’s words are any indication, Malik Nabers is on his way to becoming one of the league’s best pass-catchers

According to Pro Football Focus, Gardner’s 73.1 coverage grade in 2024 ranked 33rd among all qualified cornerbacks, and his 78.5 pass rush grade ranked 13th. Like Nabers, he’s been a star since he entered the NFL, and they both tend to stay humble while navigating their success.

When even your fiercest rivals recognize your impact, you know you’re doing something right. The Jets and Giants have their fair share of battles on Sundays, but this level of respect crosses any divisional or rivalry lines. 

It isn’t just the ex-Defensive Rookie of the Year who is expecting big things from his cross-town rival. Expectations for the Louisiana native are growing across the league.

Entering his sophomore campaign, the 22-year-old wideout is playing with a much-improved QB room. Even at 36, Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson boasts one of the best deep balls in the NFL, and his connection with the Pro Bowl receiver has dazzled at every opportunity.

Even if Wilson falters, Big Blue will turn to Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart under center. The QB room knows how to air out the football, a far cry from what fans experienced with Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito. 

Yet regardless of who’s under center for New York, Nabers will be the focal point of the offense. And his growing presence as a leader in the locker room has fans buzzing.

“The Battle of New Jersey” is coming this preseason on Aug. 17, but don’t expect either of these superstars to take the field. Even if they don’t suit up, Nabers and Gardner will be impossible to ignore once the regular season kicks off. They’re ready to use that quiet confidence to keep turning heads at MetLife Stadium.