Malik Nabers Makes History with the New York Giants
In a historic move, the New York Giants have announced that rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will don the No. 1 jersey, a number that has not been worn by a Giants player since 1935. This monumental decision was made official on Wednesday and marks an extraordinary moment not just for Nabers, but for the entire Giants organization and its storied history.
Malik Nabers, who was selected in the first round of the draft, initially wore the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason. As the young receiver prepares for his professional debut, the Giants' decision to assign him the No. 1 jersey adds a layer of significance to his already promising career.
The No. 1 jersey holds a special place in Giants history. It was last worn by Ray Flaherty, a player and coach who achieved monumental success in the NFL. Flaherty was instrumental in the Giants' early successes, winning two NFL championships as a head coach and one as a player. His legacy is so impactful that he became the first professional football player to have his number retired.
Remarking on this special moment, Ray Flaherty Jr. shared poignant words about the reissue of his father's jersey number. He stated that the number will be "re-retired if you will" once Nabers’ Giants career comes to an end, a testament to the respect and reverence the Flaherty family has for their patriarch's legacy.
Giants president John Mara also highlighted the educational value of this decision. "It's a nice story because it will maybe remind people why No. 1 was retired in the first place and they'll learn a little bit about Ray Flaherty," Mara commented. "It's a nice story for us to be able to educate people about who he was."
Nabers, recognizing the gravity of wearing the historic number, expressed his gratitude and commitment to honoring the Flaherty name and the Giants organization. “Thank you to the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear Number 1 for the New York Giants. I understand the responsibility, and I will do everything in my power to honor the Flaherty family and this organization. I will wear the number with great pride. Can't wait for the season to start,” Nabers said.
Nabers' collegiate accolades only add to the excitement surrounding his NFL debut. In 2023, he earned unanimous All-American honors at LSU, where he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His performance set records, making him the holder of the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in LSU history.
As the Giants look to the upcoming season, Malik Nabers is poised to make a significant impact on the field. The reissue of the No. 1 jersey not only connects the franchise's rich history with its future but also serves as a bridge through which newer fans can learn about legends like Ray Flaherty. This blending of history and promise is a storyline that adds layers of depth to the team's narrative, making Nabers' journey one to watch closely.
With the weight of history on his shoulders and the potential for greatness ahead, Nabers stands ready to take on the mantle, hoping to build upon the legacy started by Ray Flaherty nearly 90 years ago. The Giants, their supporters, and the Flaherty family will undoubtedly watch with hopeful anticipation as a new era begins.