Giants' New Rookie Malik Nabers to Wear Historic No. 1 Jersey
The New York Giants have stirred excitement amongst their fanbase as rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, a first-round draft pick, prepares to don the iconic No. 1 jersey this season. After initially training in the No. 9 jersey during camp and the preseason, the Giants announced Wednesday that Nabers will switch to No. 1, marking a significant moment in the team's history.
This decision is noteworthy as it will be the first time since 1935 that a Giants player laces up with the No. 1 jersey in a game. The last man to sport the number was Ray Flaherty, a figure celebrated for his dual accomplishments as both a player and head coach. Flaherty boasts an unmatched legacy, having led his team to two NFL championships as a coach in addition to securing one title as a player. His monumental contributions crowned him as the first professional football player to have his number retired.
Ray Flaherty Jr. has given his blessing for Nabers to wear the number, with the understanding that it will be "re-retired if you will" once Nabers' tenure with the team ends. This gesture not only honors Flaherty's storied past but also sets the stage for Nabers to create his own legacy.
Nabers, who earned unanimous All-American honors during his standout 2023 season at LSU, enters the NFL with high expectations. In his final collegiate season, he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting school records with 189 receptions and 3,003 receiving yards. These impressive stats highlight the potential impact he could have on the Giants' offense.
“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, expressing his gratitude and commitment to upholding the legacy of the No. 1 jersey.
Giants president John Mara echoed the sentiment, pointing out the educational value of reissuing the number. "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 explained. This narrative not only celebrates Nabers' bright future but also serves to rekindle appreciation for Flaherty’s contributions to the sport.
Nabers is poised to bring a new level of excitement to the Giants’ roster. With his record-breaking college career and the weight of the No. 1 jersey on his back, the upcoming season holds the promise of witnessing a blend of the past's honor with the present's potential. For fans of the New York Giants, the intersection of Nabers' promising talent and historical homage to Ray Flaherty provides a compelling storyline to follow as the season unfolds.