The New York Giants have ushered in a new era with their first-round pick, rookie Malik Nabers. The former LSU standout, known for his electrifying performances, is now set to create history by wearing the iconic No. 1 jersey—first time a Giants' player has donned it since 1935.
A Historic Reissue
The decision to assign Nabers the No. 1 jersey pays homage to Ray Flaherty, the last player to wear it in a Giants game. Flaherty was a legendary figure in professional football, securing two NFL championships as a head coach and another as a player. Remarkably, he became the first pro football player to have his number retired—a testament to his significant impact on the sport.
Breaking this long-retired tradition, the Giants announced on Wednesday that Nabers, who initially wore the No. 9 jersey in training camp and preseason, would switch to the No. 1. This shift brings Ray Flaherty's storied past into the present, bridging generations of Giants' fans.
Carrying the Legacy
Nabers is acutely aware of the magnitude of wearing the No. 1 jersey. "Thank you to the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear Number 1 for the New York Giants," Nabers expressed. "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."
Ray Flaherty Jr. echoed the sentiment by explaining that the number will be "re-retired if you will" after Nabers concludes his career with the Giants. This ensures that the legacy of Ray Flaherty remains respected while allowing Nabers to etch his own mark into the annals of Giants history.
A Rising Star’s Promising Start
Malik Nabers joined the Giants following an exceptional college career. In 2023, he earned unanimous All-American honors while playing for LSU. His stats were nothing short of phenomenal, with Nabers catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns that season. Moreover, he holds the LSU records for most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in the school's storied football history.
These accomplishments provided solid ground for the Giants to select him in the first round, banking on his talent to revitalize their offense. Giants president John Mara commented on the decision, highlighting both the present and historical significance of reissuing the No. 1 jersey. "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."
Celebrating Tradition While Embracing the Future
The decision to bring back the No. 1 jersey started discussions about team traditions and how they can coexist with modern-day strategies. While honoring Ray Flaherty's contributions, the Giants are also providing a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation among the fanbase.
Nabers' transition from his college accolades to an NFL career in one of the sport's most historic franchises underlines a journey filled with high expectations and immense potential. His promise to honor the Flaherty name adds another layer of dedication and determination, qualities cherished by the Giants and their supporters.
As the upcoming season looms, all eyes will be on Malik Nabers, awaiting to see how he performs both as a top draft pick and the new bearer of a historic jersey number. Joining the ranks of Giants' history, Nabers has a unique opportunity to create a new legacy, all while respecting a remarkable past.