Malik Nabers has swiftly cemented a place in the hearts of numerous enthusiasts of the Giants. Elevating this fondness, it has come to our knowledge that Nabers will be the first player in Giants’ history since the late Hall of Famer Ray Flaherty to don the No. 1 jersey. This is significant given that Flaherty’s jersey number was the first to be retired in professional football back in 1935.
Charting a new path, Malik Nabers is set to sport the No. 1 jersey in the impending season.
During his tenure at LSU, Nabers sported the No. 8 jersey and moved to No. 9 during the Giants’ training camp. Recognising the esteemed history of retired single-numbered jerseys at the Giants, Nabers started looking elsewhere after John Mara won the approval from the Flaherty family. However, nabbing a new number was a challenge with the No. 2 jersey worn by Drew Lock, Jamie Gillian with No. 6, and Daniel Jones keeping the No. 8 jersey.
Nabers wasn’t discouraged though, expressing desire for No. 1. From the onset, the family of Flaherty appeared open to the idea. ‘There was hope for No. 1, we were just waiting to hear back from the family,’ commented Nabers. This decision was formalised when Ray Flaherty Jr. gave his consent to the franchise on a recent Wednesday. The intention is to return his father’s No. 1 jersey to its retired status once Nabers’ tenure with the Giants concludes.
Early in training camp, Nabers had posed a question to GM Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll: would it be possible to switch his jersey number?
He understands the responsibilities that come with wearing No. 1, John Mara told The Post. It wasn’t just about getting a number, but respecting the legacy attached to it. The Flaherty family’s approval was paramount, and Nabers knew this, thanking them for their graciousness.
Paying due respects, Nabers reached out to Flaherty Jr. While expressing his gratitude, he said, ‘I’ll honour your father’s legacy with pride and performance.’ Flaherty Jr., pleased with the conversation, commented passionately about the seeming aptness of the young man chosen to bear his father’s jersey.
Before a recent Wednesday practice, Schoen caught up with Nabers, whose heart raced with uncertainty as they headed towards the owner’s office. The question about his jersey number was broached again.
Nabers recalled, ‘My initial choice, No. 1, had been declined initially, but I was asked again about my preference. If the Flaherty family wasn’t agreeable, I certainly didn’t want to compel them.’ To his surprise and sheer delight, the family had agreed.
The process hadn’t been clear-cut initially. ‘We weren’t familiar with Malik and deliberated about our decision,’ Flaherty Jr revealed. Mara suggested that this move could keep his father’s legacy alive and active in the minds of the faithful fans.
Mara has high expectations of the No. 6 overall pick of the draft, Malik Nabers. His distinctive skills have made their mark, not only in practices but also in actual games. Nabers’ game-play has enthused not only Mara but also Flaherty Jr., who agreed to Mara’s sentiments.
Flaherty Jr. admired Nabers’ athleticism and believed he would make rapid strides in his career. ‘His performance so far has been exceptional, and his strong entry into the Giants seems to promise a remarkably successful journey ahead.’
Nabers, for the first time, will wear the No. 1 jersey, joining the ranks of current NFL players Ja’Marr Chase, Jalen Hurts, and Kyler Murray, and notable Hall of Famers such as Jimmy Conzelman, Paddy Driscoll, Benny Friedman, Curly Lambeau, Warren Moon, Fritz Pollard, and Jim Thorpe.
Ray Flaherty’s undeniable contributions to the Giants began in 1929. Despite taking a brief break to coach a basketball team, the Gonzaga team in 1930, his football contributions were notable. In 1932, he took the lead in multiple parameters from receptions and receiving yards to touchdowns. He proposed to Steve Owen, the then Giants head coach, the use of sneakers for better traction due to the frozen Polo Grounds, directly contributing to an unexpected win in the notorious ‘Sneakers Game’ for the NFL Championship.
Ray Flaherty had a significant impact as he transitioned into a coaching role for the Boston (and later Washington) Redskins, claiming numerous titles. His strategies played a foundational role in the game. As we anticipate the performance of the new No. 1 for the Giants, it’s an apt reminder of the untold stories and legacies that every jersey number carries.