EAST RUTHERFORD — Malik Nabers has earned plenty of praise throughout his career for what he does on Sundays.
But according to one veteran teammate, what happens before practice may be even more impressive.
EDGE rusher Abdul Carter recently shared a story that highlights why Nabers remains one of the most respected leaders inside the Giants organization.
After arriving in New York, Carter quickly learned that Nabers' commitment extends far beyond game day.
The veteran defender recalled consistently seeing the Giants' star wide receiver at the facility long before team activities officially began.
"Malik Nabers is always the first at the facility. Morning workouts start at 9 a.m. I'd arrive at 8, and Malik was already there."
Initially, Carter assumed it was simply part of Nabers' routine on certain days.
Then he decided to arrive even earlier.
"One day, I got in at 7:30 and he was still there."
The discovery immediately caught Carter's attention.
Wanting to see just how far Nabers would go to prepare, he challenged himself to arrive before the receiver.
"So, I thought, 'I'll beat him today.' I showed up at 6 one morning, and guess what?"
The answer only increased his admiration for the Giants superstar.
"Malik Nabers was already grinding."
For Carter, the experience revealed why Nabers continues to perform at an elite level year after year.
Talent may have helped him become one of the NFL's premier receivers, but preparation is what separates him from most players.
The story is especially meaningful coming from Carter.
As one of the key young defensive pieces on the Giants roster, he has spent countless hours inside the facility preparing for the challenges of an NFL season.
Throughout that process, he has had a front row seat to the culture Nabers helps create inside the building.
The Giants enter 2026 with growing expectations and a renewed sense of optimism.
Much of that confidence revolves around the leadership and consistency of their young stars.
Teammates routinely praise Nabers for setting the standard through his actions rather than his words.
According to Carter, that standard begins before sunrise.
As New York prepares for another playoff push, stories like this continue to explain why players rally around Nabers.
His athletic ability may make headlines.
His work ethic is what earns the respect of everyone inside the locker room.
