Even after playing 112 games, WR Golden Tate lost his cool in the 2020 season when he yelled, “Throw me the ball” on camera. The NY Giants coaches looked in disbelief while fans showed their anger. Despite this, the franchise did not cut him. However, they benched him in the next game. His wife, Elise, also ranted about the coaches’ failure. This is not something new.
In 2003, Keyshawn Johnson fought with Buccaneers HC John Gruden on the sidelines, forcing the team to deactivate him for the remaining season. This incident famously named him as the unofficial spokesperson of outrageous WR behavior. It was imperative to know his feedback on Malik Nabers’s comments about calling WRs a diva.
During the May 2 episode of the Speak show on FS1, he first rejected the Giants WR’s diva statement and said, “I don’t agree with Malik Nabers as far as that goes.” However, he also explained his stance, claiming that when quarterbacks are passionate, it’s great. But when the receivers try to pump their teammates, it’s a problem.
Johnson then threw the boldest claim about the QB and WR position and added, “It’s a negative connotation to being called a diva at the receiver position. It’s not true. Quarterbacks are the biggest divas, the biggest. Look at what Aaron Rodgers is doing. You don’t think that’s diva, holding hostage.” His words certainly hit the mark there. The Super Bowl-winning QB is refusing to commit to the Steelers, who are desperately waiting for his arrival.
.@Keyshawn responds to Malik Nabers saying that WRs are divas. pic.twitter.com/8VeVAnDxUH
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) May 2, 2025
He also echoed Malik Nabers’ statement by explaining the real reason behind receivers getting angry for not getting the ball. They practice and sweat only for this thing. While adding to the logic behind the WR mindset, he revealed, “You are doing it in the practice every single day, and the coach is coming over to tell you we’re gonna really get you the ball. And then when the game come Paul, they ignore you, they don’t call the plays, they tell you they forgot. It feels a certain way.”
The Giants’ WR wants to win trophies young. He understands it’s the only way he can increase his presence and build his legacy.
Malik Nabers’ honest admission about WR mentality
Let’s accept the truth. While the players are playing with passion, they also need to earn money. The way NFL contracts are designed, there is money with every achievement they make. Be it the Pro Bowl, a certain number of receiving yards, or touchdowns. So, the WRs keep calculating those numbers and want to achieve them.
However, when the coaches and QB assure them about passing the ball, but fail to do this in the game, it hurts. Malik Nabers admitted it and said, “You told me I was going to get the ball. I’m getting open, and I’m not getting that pill. We’ve got a problem. Yeah, (receivers) definitely are divas. I ain’t playing about that ball.”
The talent also plays a huge role. Read these numbers from Malik Nabers and the Giants’ WR2, Wan’Dale Robinson, from the 2024 season.
Malik Nabers – 109 receptions, 170 targets, 1,204 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns
Wan’Dale Robinson – 93 receptions, 140 targets, 699 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns
Playing in his rookie season, he had more success compared to other WRs on the Giants roster. So, the target for 2025 is clear. Get Nabers more balls if they want more success.
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