By the time collegiate athletes reach the professional level, especially in football, their names become known on a global scale.
With the implementation of NIL deals, players are now entering the NFL with their own income already established, their own brand already in place, and on the cusp of making a name for themselves.
But still, the fame and fortune that come with being a household name, a top-tier talent with high expectations in the NFL is a whole different ball game than the trickles of fame these players see in college.
To that end, New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers strives to stay humble as his fame grows, leaning on his family and former coaches to stay focused.
“I would say mainly family, but also like, coaches,” Nabers told reporters on Tuesday. “Coach (LSU’s Hankton) Hank, I still talk to Coach Hank on the daily. (LSU’s) Coach Carter (Sheridan) saying, ‘Don’t get a big head, stay with the same mindset that you had when you came in as a freshman.’
“That same work that I was putting in before, I was who I am, make sure I’m still putting in that same work. I got that same dog mentality that I’ve been carrying on. So just having those daily talks with those guys, they keep me level, keep me humble.”
Staying humble is the best way to continue improving your game. Practicing in a way that earns playing time rather than assuming that time is coming will improve any player’s skills in any sport. Nabers has a solid support system in place, so staying humble and hungry will become second nature in no time.
Adding to his humble mentality, Nabers is cautiously dealing with an ankle injury. It’s not a major problem and he’s certain he will be on the field in Week 1.
“No doubt,” Nabers said about his season-opening availability. “(They’re being) pretty cautious just to see how I feel, make sure I’m 100 percent. Make sure I’m able to practice at a high speed and play at full speed.”
It stands to reason that Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka, and Joe Schoen would all want to keep Nabers healthy for the start of the season. He’s shown a lot of promise this offseason and they want him at his best when the whistle blows.
But reps matter and as a rookie, Nabers needs as many as he can get. Still, he understands the need to remain healthy.
“I always want to get back on the field, but like I said, health is 100 percent of what I’m focused on right now just before we start going onto week one, to be healthy when the season really starts. That’s the main focus,” he said.
Nabers understands the assignment. He says the right things, he’s doing the right things, and he has the right support in place to start his career off on a strong note. The Giants need him at the top of his game and focused on football, and right now, it seems like Nabers is doing exactly that.
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