Malik Nabers to Don Historic No. 1 Jersey for New York Giants
In a move steeped in history and significance, the New York Giants have announced that rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will wear the No. 1 jersey for the upcoming season. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks the first time a Giants player will wear the No. 1 jersey in a game since 1935. The previous holder, legendary Ray Flaherty, achieved notable success both as a player and as a head coach, including three NFL championships and the distinction of being the first professional football player to have his number retired.
A Legacy Revisited
Ray Flaherty's No. 1 jersey holds a special place in the annals of Giants history. Flaherty, revered as a trailblazer, not only led his team to victory on the field but also set a precedent off it. His contributions to the sport are immortalized in his accolades and the retirement of his number. Now, nearly nine decades later, Malik Nabers is set to carry forward that legacy.
"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," Giants president John Mara commented. "It's a nice story for us to be able to educate people about who he was."
A Promising Talent
Nabers comes to the Giants with an impressive collegiate record. In 2023, he earned unanimous All-American honors at LSU, a testament to his exceptional skills and performance on the field. That season, he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, cementing his place in LSU history by setting records for most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003).
Drafted in the first round, Nabers initially wore the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason. However, with the Giants' decision to reissue the No. 1 jersey, he will now don the historic number, symbolizing both a continuation of greatness and a new chapter for the team.
A Statement of Honor
Nabers expressed his gratitude and understanding of the weight this jersey carries. “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,” said Nabers, highlighting the respect and commitment he has towards upholding the jersey's legacy.
A Temporary Reissue
While the No. 1 jersey will make its appearance on the field once again, it will not be a permanent return. Ray Flaherty Jr. has stated that the number will be "re-retired" after Nabers' career with the Giants concludes, ensuring that the jersey remains a unique symbol of excellence and honor within the organization.
The decision to temporarily unretire the No. 1 jersey not only pays homage to Ray Flaherty's enduring legacy but also shines a light on Malik Nabers' potential to create his own mark in Giants history. As fans and historians look forward to the upcoming season, the No. 1 jersey serves as a powerful reminder of the past while inspiring future achievements on the gridiron.
In a season brimming with anticipation, all eyes will be on Malik Nabers as he steps onto the field, not merely as a promising rookie but as the new bearer of a storied tradition. His every reception, yard, and touchdown will contribute to a narrative that binds the past with the future, all under the iconic banner of the New York Giants.