New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers got a rough welcome to the NFL on Tuesday as he was treated to several punches to the face during a joint practice with the Detroit Lions.
The league’s training camps are usually littered with fights, with joint sessions typically even more heated.
Nabers sparked one such melee this week and ended up trading punches with Lions safety Kerby Joseph. The video below shows the two players scrapping, though it doesn’t show what started the exchange.
Fireworks and fights are back! #giants Rookie Malik Nabers and #lions Kerby Joseph throwing punches pic.twitter.com/QHqUt7s2Yx
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) August 6, 2024
However, this angle shows the former LSU wideout initiating the fight, taking a swipe at Joseph while running back to the huddle.
Malik Nabers getting active #giants pic.twitter.com/HgVAi6y9fb
— TradeMark™ (@trademarkse) August 6, 2024
Appears to be a case of Team USA Gymnastics’ new name. The rookie found out…
Malik Nabers Has Giants Fans Extremely Hopeful Heading Into The 2024 NFL Season
Meanwhile, Malik Nabers has been one of the most electrifying players to watch during training camp, having made several sensational receptions which have been the reason for hope in the Giants fan base.
He would probably do well to stay out of fights after this, as the team needs him fit and raring to go at the start of the season, though they will appreciate the aggression he plays with.
MALIK NABERS THROWING HANDS pic.twitter.com/osMNyEtKS4
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) August 6, 2024
As for the Giants and Lions, the teams don’t appear to like each other much. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, there were “approximately eight skirmishes that occurred on the field” during joint practice on Monday.”
The first took place on the second play of live drills, and one of them was instigated by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who shoved Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill in the back after he decked Greg Van Roten.
“A situation happens like that, you try to stand up for your guys,” the QB said. “I thought it was good competitive practice all day [Monday] and we made some plays and did some good things. There are some things we need to shore up, for sure, but good intensity and competitive spirit.”
The teams will play each other in a preseason fixture on Thursday night.
