New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers is set to make history this season, both by his selection and jersey number choice. Nabers, who earned unanimous All-American honors at LSU in 2023, was picked in the first round by the Giants, a testament to his phenomenal collegiate performance. During his 2023 season, Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting new records at LSU for most receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003).
A Historic Jersey Number Reinstated
Initially wearing the No. 9 jersey during training camp and the preseason, Nabers will be donning the No. 1 jersey for the Giants, as announced on Wednesday. This change is not merely a stylistic choice; it marks a significant moment in Giants history. The No. 1 jersey hasn’t been worn in a game since 1935, last graced by the legendary Ray Flaherty.
Flaherty's legacy is deeply ingrained in NFL history. He achieved greatness both as a player and as a head coach, winning two NFL championships as a head coach and one as a player. Impressively, he was the first professional football player to have his number retired, making the reissue of the No. 1 jersey all the more poignant.
Ray Flaherty Jr. has acknowledged the weight of this decision, stating that the number will be "re-retired if you will" once Nabers’ career with the Giants concludes. This gesture underscores the respect and significance attached to Flaherty Sr.'s legacy.
Honoring a Legacy
Nabers himself understands the gravity of this honor. He expressed his gratitude in a statement: “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.”
This sentiment resonates with Giants president John Mara, who sees the reissue of the No. 1 jersey as an educational opportunity. "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," he said.
The Giants' decision to reissue the No. 1 jersey is not just about rebranding or reassignment; it’s a deliberate nod to the past, bridging generations of fans and players. Ray Flaherty’s contributions to the game set a foundation of excellence and resilience, traits that Nabers is keen to embody as he embarks on his professional career.
Expectations and Ambitions
Nabers enters the league with lofty expectations, not just because of his collegiate stats but because of the symbolic jersey he now wears. His selection in the first round is a clear indicator of the Giants' belief in his abilities and potential to be a game-changer. Carrying the No. 1 on his back, Nabers is stepping into a role brimming with historical significance and fan anticipation.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Nabers, watching to see how he will merge his talent with the legacy of Flaherty. With his storied LSU career as a solid foundation, Nabers appears well-equipped to honor the Giants' storied past while forging a new path forward.
This season promises to be an enlightening one for Giants fans, a journey woven with history, reverence, and the potential for new legends to emerge. Nabers has already etched his name into the annals of LSU; now, with the No. 1 jersey on his shoulders, he's poised to carve out a legacy in the NFL, wearing a number that demands excellence and respect.