Malik Nabers to Wear Historic No. 1 Jersey for the New York Giants
In a move steeped in both history and promise, the New York Giants have announced that rookie Malik Nabers will don the No. 1 jersey for the upcoming season. The decision marks the first time since 1935 that a Giants player will wear this venerable number in a game, with the late Ray Flaherty being its last proud bearer. This number carries immense legacy, signifying not just an honor, but a responsibility to uphold the values and achievements associated with it.
Malik Nabers, who was selected in the first round, initially sported the No. 9 jersey throughout training camp and the preseason. However, the team announced on Wednesday that he would switch to No. 1 as they head into the regular season. Nabers expressed his gratitude and understanding of the significance of this honor, stating, “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.”
Ray Flaherty, a name etched in football history, wore the No. 1 jersey during his storied career as both a player and head coach. Flaherty's contributions to the sport were tremendous, having earned two NFL championships as a head coach and one as a player. His excellence on the field and on the sidelines led to No. 1 being retired, making Flaherty the first professional football player to receive such an honor.
The importance of this legacy is not lost on the Giants organization. Giants president John Mara highlighted the educational opportunity that comes with reissuing the number, saying, "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."
Ray Flaherty Jr., reflecting on his father's monumental contributions, indicated that the No. 1 jersey would eventually be retired once more, after Nabers’ time with the team. He remarked, “The number will be ‘re-retired if you will’ once Nabers’ Giants career concludes.” This gesture underscores the reverence held for both Flaherty’s past and Nabers’ promising future.
Nabers joins the Giants following a stellar collegiate career at LSU, where he garnered unanimous All-American honors in 2023. His last season saw him amass a remarkable 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, demonstrating his potential to make an immediate impact. Furthermore, Nabers etched his name into LSU’s record books by securing the records for most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in the history of the storied program.
The Giants’ decision to pass on the No. 1 jersey to Nabers is both a nod to history and a commitment to the future, a blend of respect for the past and the anticipation of new achievements. For fans and followers, Malik Nabers wearing the No. 1 jersey this season will serve as a living tribute to Ray Flaherty’s legacy while showcasing the exciting potential the young receiver brings to the franchise. Each game provides an opportunity for Giants fans to witness history in the making, as Nabers steps onto the field with the weight of tradition and the promise of new successes.