Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers were teammates at LSU last season. This year, they’re “rivals” as members of the New York Giants (Nabors) and Washington Commanders (Daniels).
However, the rookies haven’t let the bitter history between these two NFC East franchises impact their friendship.
Sunday, the former Tigers were seen playfully hanging out before the Giants-Commanders clash, which was all well and good.
Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers reunited 🥹👏 pic.twitter.com/1tWFw9xIMB
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 3, 2024
They would later find one another for some friendly banter, but the timing of that meet-up didn’t sit well with Fox announcers Chris Myers and Mark Sanchez.
A few minutes into the 4th quarter, the Giants were driving down the field, hoping to cut into the Commanders’ 24-10 lead. During a timeout, Nabors approached Daniels on the Washington sideline and the two could seen chatting.
Chris Myers & Mark Sanchez weren’t fans of Malik Nabers & Jayden Daniels’ chat during the game.
“Save this stuff for pregame & postgame. During the game I need you locked in, ready for a potential 4th & 1 call, not jawing with your buddy from college.” pic.twitter.com/hB4CaGyezq
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 3, 2024
Myers pointed out the hangout session on the broadcast a few minutes later and was clearly confused by the timing.
“During that timeout, Nabors walked over to the sidelines to talk to Jayden Daniels. I don’t know what they were talking about,” said Myers. “A big play in a division game…”
“I think they were talking a little smack,” responded Sanchez.
“They did this Week 2 after a third quarter, but I don’t know,” said Myers.
“Well timing-wise, let’s save this stuff for pregame and postgame,” added Sanchez. “During the game I need you locked in, ready for a potential 4th and 1 call, not jawing with your buddy from college.”
“And you’re down 14 in the 4th,” said Myers. “It’s a desperate game.”
The way that rivalry manifests, or doesn’t manifest, has been a hot topic in recent years as players on rival teams have been known to appear on one another’s podcasts or chat casually during games. It’s a new normal for some old-school football people.
How you feel about Nabors and Daniels being friends during a heated divisional rivalry game depends on your own expectations of how football players are supposed to act.
