In a historic move, the New York Giants have announced that rookie Malik Nabers will don the No. 1 jersey this season, marking the first time since 1935 this number will be seen on the field for the Giants. The previous holder of the No. 1 jersey was the legendary Ray Flaherty, whose career achievements have left an indelible mark on professional football.
Honoring a Legend: Ray Flaherty's Legacy
Ray Flaherty was more than just a player; he was a formidable figure in football history. As a player and a head coach, Flaherty won two NFL championships, one as a player and another as a coach. His legacy is further cemented by being the first professional football player to have his number retired. This storied history is now intersecting with the promising future of Malik Nabers.
Ray Flaherty Jr. has expressed support for the decision to temporarily unretire his father's number, stating that the No. 1 jersey will be “re-retired if you will” once Nabers’ career with the Giants concludes. This move aims to educate a new generation of fans about the impact Ray Flaherty had on the game.
A New Chapter: Malik Nabers' Journey
Malik Nabers, who initially wore No. 9 during training camp and the preseason, has earned the distinguished honor to wear No. 1. The wide receiver comes with impressive credentials, having been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. His college career at LSU is nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, Nabers earned unanimous All-American honors, catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. He holds the record for the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in LSU history.
Expressing his gratitude, Nabers said, “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.”
An Educational Opportunity
Giants president John Mara highlighted the significance of this gesture. “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.
The reissue of the No. 1 jersey presents a unique moment in Giants’ history, merging the past's rich legacy with the promising future embodied by Nabers. It serves as a poignant reminder of Flaherty's contributions while setting the stage for Nabers to make his mark.
This decision reflects the organization's deep respect for its history and excitement for its future, knowing that Nabers has the potential to add new chapters to the Giants' storied annals. This blend of honoring the past while looking forward promises to captivate fans and create memorable moments in the upcoming season.