While Eli Manning and Tom Brady’s reunion caught headlines at Fanatics Fest on Friday, it was far from the only New York Giants-related headline. The stars were in attendance across the sports world at the Javits Center, but Big Blue Nation was buzzing following the introduction of their new quarterback-receiver duo.
Even though Russell Wilson and Malik Nabers have yet to take the field together as teammates, the chemistry between the pair was evident. The second-year wideout did not participate in OTA’s or mandatory minicamp due to a toe injury that has lingered since his college days.
Nabers had a historic rookie season saw him shatter franchise records, notching 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in just 15 games. And he did it all at the ripe age of 21.
His explosive debut campaign provided Big Blue’s offense the kind of electricity MetLife Stadium hadn’t seen since the Odell Beckham Jr. days — and it didn’t go unnoticed by his new QB.
Early signs point to a promising Wilson-Nabers connection
Wilson has been vocal in his praise of third-year receiver Jalin Hyatt and their connection, which has blossomed throughout the offseason. But during a panel on Friday afternoon, the 36-year-old revealed his locker is next to Nabers before sending high praise his way.
“My locker is right next to this dude (Malik Nabers), the best receiver in the league,” Wilson said.
Wilson, a nine–time Pro Bowler near the tail end of his career, has played with no shortage of great pass-catchers, including DK Metcalf, Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, and George Pickens. But he admitted the allure of playing with one of the NFL’s brightest young stars enticed him to sign with the G-Men.
“I came here because of him,” Wilson said. “Was a big reason of it. I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him.”
It’s not the first time Nabers has embraced the spotlight in the Big Apple. The ex-LSU star sat courtside at Madison Square Garden back on Jan. 13 when the Knicks fell to the Detroit Pistons.
But after witnessing the Knicks sport their best finish in 25 years– and the city rally behind them– Nabers challenged fans to bring that same energy to East Rutherford.
“You see all the videos of them going crazy after the Knicks games. I need that going for the Giants this year,” Nabers said to a cheering crowd.
It is clear there is a rapport forming between the two, and if that translates to Sundays, don’t be surprised if Wilson-to-Nabers becomes one of the league’s most electrifying connections in 2025.
