New York Giants' rookie Malik Nabers, a star wide receiver out of LSU, is making headlines not only for his performance on the field but also for a significant jersey change that harkens back to the team's storied history.
A Historical Jersey
Selected in the first round of the draft, Nabers originally sported the No. 9 jersey during training camp and preseason games. However, in a moment rich with historical resonance, the Giants announced this Wednesday that Nabers would don the No. 1 jersey from here on out. This will mark the first time since 1935 that a Giants player will wear the No. 1 in a game.
The previous holder of this iconic number was Ray Flaherty, a Giants legend who not only made his mark as a player but also as a head coach. Flaherty's extraordinary career includes two NFL championships as a head coach, in addition to one as a player. He also holds the distinction of being the first professional football player to have his number retired.
Flaherty’s contributions to the sport have long been celebrated by the Giants organization and its fans. His name is synonymous with excellence and leadership, qualities that the rookie Nabers will now carry forward each time he steps onto the field.
Nabers’ Response
Nabers, who earned unanimous All-American honors at LSU in 2023, received the Flaherty family’s blessing to wear the No. 1 jersey. Expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the legacy he will continue, Nabers stated, “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.”
A Storied Past, A Promising Future
Nabers has already demonstrated his remarkable talent on the field, amassing 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. He holds LSU records for the most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) in the university's history. These impressive statistics underline his potential to be a game-changer for the Giants.
Ray Flaherty Jr. has also weighed in on the decision, ensuring that the No. 1 jersey will be “re-retired” once Nabers’ career with the Giants concludes. “The number will be re-retired if you will,” Flaherty Jr. stated, underscoring the temporary nature of this historic reissue.
Giants president John Mara also sees this as more than just a jersey number switch. He commented on the educational aspect of reissuing the No. 1 jersey, noting, "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."
Legacy and Responsibility
The reissuance of Ray Flaherty’s No. 1 jersey to Malik Nabers brings with it a blend of rich history and modern promise. It is a testament to the legacy Flaherty left behind and the promising future that Nabers holds. As Nabers prepares to take the field wearing the No. 1 jersey, Giants fans are provided with a unique opportunity to celebrate the past while looking forward to an exciting season.
For Nabers, the jersey is more than just a number. It is a symbol of responsibility, pride, and a storied legacy that he aims to honor with his performance on the field. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Nabers as he embarks on writing his own chapter in the illustrious history of the New York Giants.