East Rutherford, New Jersey – New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers has solidified his place as a fan favorite even before stepping onto the field. Nabers, the Giants’ first-round pick, will be making history as the first player to wear the prestigious No. 1 jersey for the team since the legendary Ray Flaherty in 1935, when Flaherty became the first professional football player to have his number retired.
Originally wearing No. 8 during his time at LSU, Nabers made the switch to No. 9 in training camp. However, after exploring other available numbers like 2 and 6, Nabers expressed his desire to wear the iconic No. 1 jersey, ultimately receiving approval from the Flaherty family and Giants co-owner John Mara.
In a heartwarming gesture, Nabers reached out to Ray Flaherty Jr. to express his gratitude and promised to honor the Flaherty family by representing the jersey with pride on the field. Flaherty Jr. showed his support for Nabers, acknowledging him as a promising young talent and expressing his hope for a successful career for the rookie wide receiver.
Flaherty Jr. recalled the process of allowing Nabers to wear his father’s retired number, highlighting the significance of bringing attention to his father’s legacy and the history behind the retired jersey. Mara also commended Nabers for his respectful approach towards the Flaherty family and emphasized the responsibility that comes with wearing such a historic number for the franchise.
Nabers, who has never worn the No. 1 jersey before, sees this opportunity as a unique experience in his career. As he prepares to make his mark on the NFL, the significance of wearing a number with a rich history and connection to a football legend like Ray Flaherty adds an extra layer of motivation for the young player.
With excitement building around Nabers’ potential impact on the field, the Giants organization and fans alike are eager to witness the rookie’s performance in the upcoming season. As Nabers steps into his role as the new bearer of the No. 1 jersey, he carries with him the legacy of Ray Flaherty and the expectations of representing the Giants with honor and excellence.