In an unprecedented move, the New York Giants have announced that rookie Malik Nabers will don the No. 1 jersey for the upcoming NFL season. The decision marks the first time since 1935 that a Giants player will wear the historic number, last worn by the legendary Ray Flaherty.
Nabers Takes on Historic Number
Selected in the first round, Malik Nabers has already made a mark by initially wearing the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason. However, in an unexpected shift, the Giants declared on Wednesday that Nabers would switch to the iconic No. 1 jersey. A symbolic gesture, it heralds both a nod to the past and a fresh chapter for the team and its fans.
“Thank you to the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear Number 1 for the New York Giants,” Nabers expressed, clearly aware of the gravity of the responsibility. “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.”
A Historic Legacy
Ray Flaherty is not just any figure in the annals of football history. The first professional football player to have his number retired, Flaherty achieved greatness both as a player and a head coach. His remarkable career includes winning two NFL championships as a coach and another as a player. For many fans, he embodies the spirit and tradition of early professional football.
It’s no wonder that the reissue of the No. 1 jersey comes with significant sentiment and weight. Giants president John Mara underlined this point, noting the educational opportunity this decision offers to a new generation of fans. "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. It's a nice story for us to be able to educate people about who he was," Mara commented.
An All-American Athlete
Malik Nabers, who earned unanimous All-American honors at LSU in 2023, is more than capable of living up to the legacy he's inheriting. His college career stats are nothing short of impressive, with Nabers catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023 alone. Additionally, he holds the record for most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in LSU history.
The decision to allow Nabers to wear the No. 1 is not without strategic merit. The Giants see in Nabers a player who possesses both the skill and the mental fortitude to honor Flaherty’s legacy, while simultaneously forging his own path in the NFL. Given his track record, they’re betting on his potential to rise to the occasion.
A Future Rededication
Ray Flaherty Jr., carrying forward his father's legacy, added another layer to the narrative by stating that the No. 1 jersey would be "re-retired if you will" after Nabers' tenure with the Giants concludes. This act will serve as a ceremonial full circle, celebrating both past and present contributions to the team's storied history.
The Giants’ decision to revive the No. 1 jersey is steeped in more than just nostalgia; it’s a calculated move to bridge the franchise's illustrious past with its promising future. The choice of Malik Nabers as its bearer speaks volumes about the faith the organization has in this young athlete. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Nabers to see how he lives up to this unique and honorable challenge.