diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/ni/nixge.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/ni/nixge.c
index 346145d3180e..057b7419404d 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/ni/nixge.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/ni/nixge.c
@@ -899,6 +899,7 @@ static int nixge_open(struct net_device *ndev)
 err_rx_irq:
 	free_irq(priv->tx_irq, ndev);
 err_tx_irq:
+	napi_disable(&priv->napi);
 	phy_stop(phy);
 	phy_disconnect(phy);
 	tasklet_kill(&priv->dma_err_tasklet);