New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will make his NFL regular season debut on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Nabers admits he’ll have butterflies, but he’s not nervous. Like Giants legend Eli Manning, Nabers believes nerves are a sign of being unprepared and he’s anything but that.
“I’m always going to have butterflies any time I go out there. But I feel like if you’re not nervous then you’re not ready, you’re not prepared. I use that as a theme to go out there and make sure I’m prepared and when I get in the game, just showcase my talent,” Nabers told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’m embracing it very well. I’m excited to go out there. I’m excited to go catch some touchdowns and do what I can do to help the team, help the offense.”
That’s not all that has Nabers excited. He’s ready to embrace Big Blue fans and looks forward to hearing them chant his name in the same way the serenaded Victor Cruz with the “Cruuuuuzzzz!” chants.
“I’m expecting the fans, when I catch a first down or touchdown, they say, ‘Leeeeeeek!” he said with a grin.
It’s been a rough slog for Giants fans over the past decade-plus and they want something to cheer about. If Nabers gives them that, he’ll undoubtedly get his desired gift in return.
“Leeeeeeek!”
