In a groundbreaking move, New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers has been given the honor of wearing the coveted jersey number, No. 1. This number, which has been retired by the team since a staggering 1935, holds special significance and prestige within the Giants organization.
Nabers, the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft, expressed his gratitude to the Flaherty family for granting him permission to don the legendary No. 1 jersey. In a statement released by the team, Nabers stated, “Thank you to the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear Number 1 for the New York Giants.”
With a deep sense of responsibility, Nabers affirmed his commitment to honoring both the Flaherty family and the Giants organization. He proclaimed, “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.”
Having worn No. 8 in college and No. 9 during the preseason, Nabers found himself in need of a new number as the season opener loomed near. Unfortunately, both numbers were already claimed by veterans on the team – QB Daniel Jones and kicker Graham Gano, respectively. This predicament prompted Nabers to search for an available number, leading him to the idea of No. 1.
“Everybody else’s number was really taken,” Nabers revealed in a team statement. “I looked into retired jerseys and No. 1 stood out. So, I asked (team owner) John Mara about it. He was like, ‘We could give it a shot.’ So, we gave it a shot.”
John Mara, in consultation with the Flaherty family, made the momentous decision to return the revered No. 1 jersey to circulation. Three-time All-Pro Flaherty, who went on to become a successful coach post-retirement, won two championships with Washington and was later honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1976. His illustrious career concluded in 1994 at the age of 90.
With tradition and history intertwined, Malik Nabers’ new jersey number has sparked anticipation and excitement as fans eagerly await his debut on the field wearing the iconic No. 1 for the New York Giants.
