It has been a historic season for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, and he added another line to the books on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. With his six-yard catch in the first quarter, Nabers tied Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams for the most receptions by a rookie wide receiver in NFL history at 105. He then broke the record early in the second quarter with another six-yard catch — his 106th of the year.
Although Nabers trailed tight end Brock Bowers, who had 108 receptions entering Sunday’s games, he now owns the outright record for rookie wide receivers. But there was more to come. Later during the nail-biting game, he also set a new franchise record for receptions in a single season with his 108th catch, surpassing Steve Smith, who had recorded 107 receptions back in 2009.
Nabers had already made history earlier this season by setting the record for the most games with five or more receptions by a rookie — 13 to be exact. He also claimed the single-season Giants rookie receptions record with 92. Along with running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., he became just the third rookie duo with over 1,000 scrimmage yards each, marking their place among NFL history’s elite rookies.
Should Nabers finish the game with 166 or more receiving yards, he will also break Odell Beckham Jr.’s record of 1,305 receiving yards by a rookie. The Las Vegas Raiders' game later allowed the possibility for Bowers to reclaim the all-time record for receptions by and wide receivers. Should he come up short, Nabers will hold both the outright record and the record solely for wide receivers.
The Giants had undeniably faced struggles during the season, posting only three wins and cementing their third-place position. But for Nabers, the disappointment around the team hasn’t overshadowed the excitement and promise he brings. After catching his fourth pass during Week 18’s 20–13 loss to the Eagles, he reached 108 receptions — officially edging out Steve Smith for the most catches by any Giants player.
His 3-yard reception secured the record, and he finished the game with five catches for 64 yards, including his seventh touchdown of the season coming from Drew Lock. He concluded his rookie season with 109 receptions on 170 targets, accruing 1,197 yards. His record-setting season saw him briefly overtake Bowers, only to have the tide turn when Bowers managed to log four more catches during his game, ending with 112 receptions.
Nabers, 21, was drafted sixth overall by the Giants out of LSU, having previously excelled as a junior with 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Setting team and league records within his first season is especially impressive, considering the uncertainty and upheaval the Giants experienced at the quarterback position. Daniel Jones was benched after the team's Week 11 bye week, having thrown for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Since then, both Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle started games before Drew Lock took the helm for five of the last games.
Looking to the future, the Giants will heavily rely on their rookie star, Nabers, as the team regroups and rebuilds. It seems likely he will catch passes from yet another new quarterback next season, maybe even from a fellow first-round draft pick. Malik Nabers has undoubtedly established himself as one of the standout players of his draft class, and his record-breaking season offers hope to Giants fans for the future.
Social media buzzed with excitement as fans and analysts reacted to his impressive accomplishments, referring to him as the franchise’s new cornerstone at wide receiver. Dylan Mehl tweeted, "Malik Nabers just broke the Giants All-Time single season receptions record in his rookie season with 108,” emphasizing just how monumental this achievement is.
Despite the overall struggles of the 3-13 New York Giants, Malik Nabers’ breakout performance, rooted deeply within his record-breaking rookie season, signifies both personal and franchise milestones. His success will surely inspire hope as the team attempts to navigate its next chapter.
With Nabers leading the charge, the New York Giants can look forward to brighter days as they reshape their roster. There is no question about it — Nabers is not just living up to expectations; he is surpassing them at every turn.