Malik Nabers Makes History Wearing No. 1 Jersey for the New York Giants
In a season already filled with excitement for the New York Giants, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is set to add a significant chapter to the franchise's storied history. Selected in the first round of this year's draft, Nabers has quickly become a focal point for the Giants' aspirations. The young receiver, who initially donned the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason, will now take the field wearing No. 1—a number that carries an illustrious past within the organization.
The announcement came Wednesday that Nabers would be donning the No. 1 jersey, a number that hasn't graced a Giants player's back since 1935. The last player to wear the iconic number was Ray Flaherty, a legend in professional football. Flaherty not only made his mark as a player but also achieved greatness as a head coach, winning two NFL championships from the sidelines and one as a player. Notably, he was the first professional football player to have his number retired by a team, cementing his legacy within the sport.
"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," commented Giants president John Mara, reflecting on the educational opportunity this reissuance presents.
Indeed, the decision to bring No. 1 out of retirement is steeped in a rich tapestry of history and respect. Flaherty’s achievements have left an indelible mark on the Giants and the sport as a whole. The reissue was not taken lightly, as it involved consultation with the Flaherty family. In a nod to the family's respect for tradition and the potential for new history to be written, Ray Flaherty Jr. indicated that the No. 1 jersey would be re-retired after Nabers' career with the Giants concludes.
"Ray Flaherty Jr. stated that the number will be 're-retired if you will' once Nabers' Giants career concludes," he confirmed.
Nabers, who earned unanimous All-American honors at LSU in 2023, is no stranger to high expectations and delivering under pressure. His college career was nothing short of spectacular, catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final season. He set LSU records for most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003), further showcasing his readiness for the professional stage.
On receiving the honor of wearing the No. 1 jersey, Nabers expressed his gratitude and the sense of responsibility that comes with it. “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,” stated Nabers.
Nabers' move to the No. 1 jersey represents not only a nod to the past but also hope for the future. The Giants organization views this as an opportunity to reconnect with a foundational period in their history while looking forward to what Nabers can achieve. Having the support of the Flaherty family underscores the significance of this transition and the weight of the legacy Nabers is set to carry on his young shoulders.
As the Giants prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Nabers to see if he can live up to the expectations and honor the storied history associated with the No. 1 jersey. With his stellar college background and the support of both the team and its history, Nabers is positioned to become a pivotal figure in the Giants' quest for success.
The story of Malik Nabers and the No. 1 jersey isn't just about a number—it’s about legacy, responsibility, and the intersection of past and future. For fans of the Giants and of football, it's a narrative that brings together the essence of the sport, weaving history, respect, and anticipation into the fabric of the 2023 season.