Well, folks, we’ve got a new king atop the New York Giants’ rookie record books. Malik Nabers, the electric rookie wide receiver out of LSU, just broke the team’s single-season rookie receptions record, surpassing Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley.
Malik Nabers wasted no time making history. His second catch in the first quarter against the Falcons officially crowned him the Giants' new rookie receptions leader. He’s got two grabs for 12 yards so far, with plenty of game left to pad those stats and make his mark even bigger.
With 92 (and counting) grabs on the season, Nabers has cemented himself as one of the brightest young stars in the NFL—and the future of the Giants offense.
Malik Nabers just broke the #Giants’ all-time rookie record for receptions with 92, surpassing Odell Beckham Jr. pic.twitter.com/suBcxhYKDQ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 22, 2024
Beckham set the bar in 2014 with 91 catches during his sensational rookie year, a campaign that included his infamous one-handed grab against the Dallas Cowboys and a Pro Bowl nod.
Four years later, Barkley matched OBJ’s record during his own Rookie of the Year campaign. Those two didn’t just set records—they redefined what it meant to be a Giants playmaker. And now? Malik Nabers has done the unthinkable by topping them both.
Malik Nabers passes Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley for most receptions in rookie season
Nabers’ record-breaking season feels special. The No. 6 overall pick has battled adversity all year—missing some time due to injury, dealing with a revolving door at quarterback, and fighting through the presumed rookie growing pains.
Yet despite all of that, he’s delivered one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in recent Giants memory.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Giants’ offense hasn’t exactly been a juggernaut this year. Quarterback incompetence, inconsistent line play, and questionable playcalling have plagued the team. But none of that has stopped Nabers from balling out. He’s thrived in tough situations, often being the lone bright spot in an otherwise stagnant passing game. That’s what makes his record even more impressive—he’s doing it without any help.
This season has been a rollercoaster for the Giants, but Malik Nabers is a reminder that the future is bright. He’s already shown he’s capable of being the franchise’s No. 1 receiver, someone to build the offense around for years to come. With his poise, mentality, and swagger, he’s the cornerstone piece for the Giants' offense.
After Nabers made his record-breaking catch, the Giants advanced the ball down the field and scored a touchdown, putting them ahead of the Falcons, 7-0, early in the second quarter.
So, buckle up. Malik Nabers just broke a record held by two of the most beloved players in team history. And he’s only getting started. The best is yet to come for this young stud.