New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers found himself far from the football field this offseason, trading turf for the track in a high-speed ride with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The experience, captured on video and shared widely, offered a glimpse into how NFL players unwind, seek thrills, and build camaraderie away from the game. For Nabers, the adrenaline rush was real, and his reaction quickly became a talking point among fans and teammates alike.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gives Nabers a Taste of “Real” Speed
The offseason is a crucial time for NFL players to recover, train, and reconnect with life outside football. While some opt for quiet relaxation, others chase excitement. Nabers, known for his explosive play on the field, recently joined Earnhardt Jr. for an episode of “Taking Laps,” where he experienced the intensity of professional racing firsthand.
Most people know race cars are fast, but few understand what those speeds feel like from inside the car. As Earnhardt Jr. gradually increased the pace, Nabers’ nerves were on full display. The ride peaked at 130 miles per hour in a Corvette, prompting Nabers to make the sign of the cross and start praying, a moment that quickly went viral.
DAMN: #Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers started praying to God while Dale Earnhardt Jr. was going 130 miles per hour in a Corvette with him.
He was scared to death 😭😭😭
(🎥B/R)
pic.twitter.com/aXOiAfagK1— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) July 3, 2025
Earnhardt Jr. explained that during actual races, cars often reach speeds 50 miles per hour faster than what Nabers experienced. The wide receiver’s reactions, from nervous laughter to wide-eyed awe, highlighted just how different the world of racing is from the gridiron.
The segment also gave fans a chance to see Nabers’ personality away from football, building his profile as one of the league’s most engaging young stars.
What Nabers’ Rookie Year Means for the Giants’ Future
Nabers’ rookie season was one for the record books. He finished with 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns, briefly holding the rookie receptions record before Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers surpassed it with 112 catches in the final week of the 2024 season.
Despite the Giants’ struggles, Nabers’ performance stood out, earning him recognition as one of the NFL’s top young receivers.
With Russell Wilson joining the Giants as the projected starting quarterback and rookie Jaxson Dart added to the roster, expectations for Nabers are even higher heading into 2025. The team also features Jameis Winston as a backup, providing depth and experience at the position.
Nabers’ ability to produce despite instability at quarterback last season suggests he could take another step forward with improved play under center.
The best plays of Malik Nabers’ record-setting rookie season 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nsgVGVR3xr
— NFL (@NFL) March 27, 2025
The Giants face a challenging 2025 schedule, with their opponents posting a combined .574 winning percentage last year and 10 games against 2024 playoff teams. This tough slate will test Nabers and the rest of the offense, but it also offers a chance for the team to prove itself against top competition.
On defense, New York enters the season with one of the league’s best defensive lines, ranked No. 3 by Pro Football Focus, and a group of promising young players on both sides of the ball.
Projections for the Giants remain cautious. As of March 30, 2025, ESPN Bet set the team’s win total at 4.5, the lowest in the NFC. While some fans hope for a breakout, most analysts see this as a year for development, especially for Dart, who could become the face of the franchise in the future.
For now, Wilson is expected to lead the offense, with Nabers as his top target.
Nabers’ growth, both on and off the field, will be a key storyline for the Giants this season. His willingness to embrace new experiences, whether in a race car or on the field, reflects the mindset the team hopes to build as it looks to return to playoff contention.