Malik Nabers to Wear Historic No. 1 Jersey for New York Giants
In an unprecedented move, Malik Nabers, the New York Giants' first-round rookie, will don the coveted No. 1 jersey for the upcoming season. This decision marks the first time since 1935 that the Giants have issued the No. 1 jersey in a game, previously worn by the legendary Ray Flaherty.
Initially, Nabers wore the No. 9 jersey throughout training camp and preseason. The switch to No. 1 was officially announced by the Giants on Wednesday, ending an 88-year hiatus of the jersey number in play.
Ray Flaherty, the previous holder of the No. 1 jersey, carved out an illustrious career both as a player and a head coach. Flaherty won two NFL championships as a head coach and one as a player. His achievements on the field were so impactful that he was the first professional football player to have his number retired.
“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, reflecting the weight and honor of the legacy he now carries.
Significantly, Ray Flaherty Jr. commented that the No. 1 jersey will be "re-retired" after Nabers' career with the Giants concludes, ensuring that its historic significance remains intact. “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," said Giants president John Mara, emphasizing the educational value behind this decision.
Malik Nabers has already demonstrated exceptional prowess on the field. In 2023, while playing for LSU, he earned unanimous All-American honors. Nabers' performance throughout the season was nothing short of spectacular, catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. His cumulative impact at LSU is reflected in school records for the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in their history.
The decision to reissue the No. 1 jersey is seen by many as a bridge between the rich history of the franchise and the promising future embodied by Nabers. Giants fans have eagerly embraced this move, looking forward to witnessing how Nabers will honor and build upon the legacy left by Ray Flaherty.
With the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Malik Nabers as he steps onto the field, carrying a piece of history on his back. His acknowledgment of the jersey's significance and his commitment to honoring both the Flaherty family and the Giants organization speaks volumes about his character and readiness to take on this unique responsibility. If his college accolades are any indication, Nabers is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL, potentially carving out a legacy of his own alongside the giants of the game.