Malik Nabers to Revive Historic Jersey Number for the New York Giants
The New York Giants are putting a historic twist on the upcoming NFL season by selecting rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers in the first round and bringing back a symbol of the team's storied past. Nabers, who excelled at LSU, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2023, will don the No. 1 jersey, previously retired in honor of Giants legend Ray Flaherty.
Initially, during training camp and the preseason, Nabers wore No. 9. However, the Giants announced on Wednesday that he would wear No. 1, marking the first time since 1935 that the number would see action in a game. Flaherty, the previous holder of the jersey, achieved significant greatness both as a player and a head coach, winning two NFL championships as a head coach and one as a player. He was also the first professional football player to have his number retired.
In a gracious nod to history, the Flaherty family has approved of this significant move. "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 I,Nabers, reflecting his understanding of the weight and honor associated with the jersey.
Ray Flaherty Jr. emphasized the sentimental value attached to the reissued number, stating the number will be "re-retired if you will" once Nabers' Giants career concludes. This plan ensures that the legacy of Ray Flaherty remains intact while also giving fans an opportunity to witness the revival of a jersey number that symbolizes excellence and Giants history.
Giants president John Mara sees this as more than just a numerical change on a player's back. For him, it is an educational opportunity. "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, highlighting the dual purpose of honoring the past while inspiring the future.
Nabers comes into the Giants' fold with remarkable collegiate credentials. In 2023, he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting records for the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in LSU history. These statistics underscore the potential that the Giants saw in him when they made the decision to pick him in the first round.
The team's decision to revive Flaherty's number speaks volumes about their confidence in Nabers' abilities and his potential impact. By embodying the past, the Giants hope Nabers can create a dynamic future for the franchise.
As Nabers prepares to take the field wearing the legendary No. 1 jersey, fans and football historians alike will be watching closely. The weight of history is now on Nabers' shoulders, and with his expressed gratitude and clear understanding of his role, he appears ready to rise to the occasion.
In bringing the number out of retirement, the Giants are not only honoring a historical figure but also setting the stage for a new chapter in their storied legacy. Malik Nabers is the player entrusted with this task, and his journey promises to be one to watch.