New York Giants' rookie Malik Nabers, the team's first-round selection, is already making headlines before the season has even begun. The Giants have announced that Nabers will be donning the No. 1 jersey, a number that holds significant historical importance for the franchise.
Up until now, the No. 1 jersey hasn’t seen game action for the Giants since 1935. The last player to wear it was the great Ray Flaherty, who not only left his mark as a player but also achieved tremendous success as a head coach, winning two NFL championships. Flaherty boasts the distinction of being the first professional football player to have his jersey number retired.
This momentous occasion of reintroducing the No. 1 jersey comes with a significant endorsement from Flaherty's family. “The number will be 're-retired if you will' once Nabers' Giants career concludes,” revealed Ray Flaherty Jr. This decision adds a sense of gravity and responsibility for the rookie wide receiver, a role Nabers has embraced wholeheartedly.
“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, underlining his commitment to living up to the legacy associated with the jersey.
John Mara, the president of the Giants, sees this as an opportunity to remind fans and educate them about Flaherty’s invaluable contributions to the sport and the franchise. “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 stated.
Nabers' impressive college career at LSU certainly set the stage for the anticipation surrounding his professional debut. In 2023, he earned unanimous All-American honors, further establishing himself as a top prospect. During that year, Nabers achieved extraordinary feats, catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also set records for the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in LSU history, ensuring his place in the annals of college football lore.
Initially, Nabers wore the No. 9 jersey through training camp and the preseason. This change to the No. 1 jersey marks a significant milestone not only for him but also for the Giants' organization, linking a promising future with a storied past. “It’s an educational opportunity,” added Mara, emphasizing the multi-dimensional aspect of this jersey reintroduction.
The excitement around Nabers goes beyond his number change. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his record-breaking college performance translates to the NFL. His physical abilities, combined with the weight of the Giants’ heritage, make Nabers one of the most closely watched rookies this season. As he prepares for his debut, all eyes will be on the No. 1 jersey, waiting to see if Nabers can carve out his own legacy while honoring the last man to wear it.
The Giants' decision to briefly unretire the number signifies more than just a fresh start; it’s a bridge connecting past glory with future potential. With immense pressure comes the opportunity for Nabers to rise to the occasion, to become a name that someday might inspire future generations of Giants fans in much the same way Ray Flaherty’s legacy has endured.