The New York Giants’ 2024 season was a rough ride—3-14, quarterback chaos, and plenty of questions about the future. But in the middle of that storm, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers gave fans a reason to keep watching.
His jaw-dropping debut didn’t just rewrite Giants history; it proved he’s the cornerstone of this team’s rebuild and the clear choice for Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year. That said, credit where it’s due—this rookie class was stacked, and every finalist has a case worth hearing. The difference? With Malik Nabers, the case makes itself.
The nominees for the @pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year are here!
— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2025
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Drafted sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers hit the NFL like a freight train. He didn’t just break records—he obliterated them. His 109 catches shattered Steve Smith’s franchise mark and now rank second all-time for rookie receivers. Tack on 1,204 yards, seven touchdowns, and a league-record 14 games with five or more receptions, and you’re looking at a rookie season for the ages. But the real kicker? Nabers did all this with four different quarterbacks throwing him the ball—none of which would start on any other team.
Even with the odds stacked against him, Nabers consistently showed up as the Giants’ most reliable and electrifying weapon. Listen, this kid is a route technician. The league hasn't seen a route runner like Nabers since Larry Fitzgerald. He's that special.
Why Malik Nabers is the only choice for Pepsi's Rookie of the Year
Nabers isn’t just another finalist—he’s the reason the Giants’ season wasn’t a complete wash. His brilliance on the field, despite the chaos surrounding him, makes him stand out from the other nominees.
Call it bias, but no other rookie had as much of a tumultuous organizational failure this year as New York. Nabers had to carve out his place on a team that had planes flying over their home turf with banners telling the owner to fire everyone.
His consistency was nothing short of remarkable. Defensive coordinators threw everything at him—top corners, double teams, you name it—but he still found ways to produce. That kind of resilience and impact is what makes Nabers the true Rookie of the Year.
Aside from the non-quantifiable argument, here are his quantifiable numbers, ranked among his rookie peers:
Stat | Amount | Rank |
|---|---|---|
Receiving yards | 1,204 | 2nd |
Receptions | 109 | 2nd |
Receiving TDs | 7 | T-3rd |
Receiving yards per game | 80.3 | 1st |
Nabers is the lone shining star in an otherwise darkness-filled black hole that is the New York Giants. His ability to deliver, no matter the circumstances, is what sets him apart. It’s not just the stats that tell the story—it’s the fact that, in a season filled with letdowns, Nabers gave Giants fans something to believe in.
So when fans vote for Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year, the choice is simple.
The rookie gave Giants fans a reason to stay invested, a glimpse of hope for the future, and undeniable proof that he’s the guy. Zero sugar might be the brand, but for the Giants, Malik Nabers was the one reason for hope.
Click here to cast your vote for Malik Nabers and show why he’s the clear choice for Pepsi's Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year.