In an unprecedented move, the New York Giants have announced that rookie Malik Nabers will don the historically significant No. 1 jersey this season. This marks the first time since 1935 that a Giants player will wear the No. 1 in a game, a jersey last worn by NFL legend Ray Flaherty. The reissuance of the jersey was made official on Wednesday, injecting an added layer of anticipation and history into the Giants' upcoming season.
The decision to bring back the No. 1 jersey has created a buzz not only among Giants fans but also within the broader NFL community.
"Thank you to the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear Number 1 for the New York Giants," said Nabers. "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.”
The Legacy of Ray Flaherty
Ray Flaherty was a standout player and coach, achieving greatness in both roles. He won two NFL championships as a head coach and one as a player, embodying the spirit of competitiveness and excellence that the Giants organization strives to maintain. In fact, Flaherty was the first professional football player to have his number retired, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the sport.
Notably, Ray Flaherty Jr. voiced his support for the decision: "The number will be 're-retired if you will' once Nabers' Giants career concludes," making it clear that this is a temporary reissue meant to honor both Flaherty’s legacy and Nabers’ potential to make history of his own.
Malik Nabers: A Star in the Making
Nabers, who was selected in the first round by the Giants, boasts an impressive college career that promises a bright future in the NFL. In 2023, he was recognized with unanimous All-American honors at LSU, capped off by a stellar season in which he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Nabers also holds the record for the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in LSU history, making him a significant addition to the Giants' roster.
Initially, Nabers wore the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason. However, the Giants' decision to switch him to the No. 1 jersey underscores their belief in his potential to be a game-changer.
An Educational Opportunity
Giants president John Mara lauded the reissuance of the jersey as a chance for education and celebration of the Giants’ storied past. “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. The hope is that fans, especially the younger generation, will gain a deeper appreciation for one of the Giants’ foundational figures.
The reactivation of the No. 1 jersey is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a bridge connecting the Golden Era of professional football with the present day. As Malik Nabers steps onto the field wearing the No. 1, he carries not just the hopes of a franchise but the weight of its glorious past. The reissue serves as both a tribute to Ray Flaherty’s incredible legacy and a hopeful nod to the future that Nabers represents.
Though the jersey will be “re-retired” after Nabers’ tenure, this blend of historical reverence and forward-looking optimism will undoubtedly make this season a fascinating chapter in the Giants' history.