Malik Nabers to Wear Historic No. 1 Jersey for Giants
In a move that intertwines the history and the future of the New York Giants, rookie sensation Malik Nabers is set to don the storied No. 1 jersey this season. A first-round pick fresh off an extraordinary college career at LSU, Nabers will become the first player since 1935 to carry the number in a game. This follows a poignant decision by the team and the Flaherty family to temporarily bring the number out of retirement.
Nabers expressed deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility upon receiving the news. "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.
A Storied Legacy
The No. 1 jersey was first retired in honor of Ray Flaherty, a Giants legend who distinguished himself both on the field and the sidelines. Flaherty, who won an NFL championship as a player and two more as a head coach, was the inaugural professional football player to have his number retired. This historically resonant number has thus remained dormant for the past 88 years, underscoring the significance of its temporary reinstatement for Nabers. Ray Flaherty Jr. noted that the number would be "re-retired if you will" once Nabers’ tenure with the Giants comes to an end.
The decision to reissue the number was also seen as an opportunity to educate newer generations about the legacy of Ray Flaherty. "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.
Nabers' Stellar College Career
Joining the Giants with an impressive resume, Nabers brings both talent and a strong work ethic, attributes that will serve him well as he carries the notable number. At LSU, Nabers earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023, recording 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His incredible performance also saw him setting school records with 189 career receptions and 3,003 receiving yards, further highlighting his potential impact in the NFL.
Initially, Nabers took to the field wearing the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason. The switch to No. 1, announced by the Giants on Wednesday, adds another layer of anticipation to what is already shaping up to be an exciting debut season for the rookie wideout.
Setting a New Standard
Nabers’ entry into the Giants’ fold carries with it the expectations typically reserved for a first-round selection, but the added historical context of his jersey amplifies the spotlight. As the Giants prepare to embark on a new season, all eyes will be on Nabers, not just for his athletic prowess but also for the sense of history and honor he brings back to the iconic number.
With the dynamics of the modern NFL, it is rare to see such a respectful nod to the past. Nabers will not just be playing for himself or his team; he will be playing under the watchful gaze of history, striving to uphold the legacy initiated by Ray Flaherty nearly nine decades ago. For fans and historians alike, this blending of past triumphs with future promise signifies an opportunity to witness something truly special.