Malik Nabers is ditching his No. 9 and will be wearing No. 1 for the New York Giants in his rookie season.
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The last-minute jersey switch was unexpected. After all, the No. 1 has long been retired by the organization in honor of Ray Flaherty; in fact, it was the first number to ever be retired in football history in 1935.
The news came out on Wednesday night that Nabers would be switching his uniform number after receiving the blessing from the Flaherty family to unretire the jersey. Nabers, in addition to the expectations that come with being the No. 6 overall draft pick, now takes on even more added pressure as he'll be the first New York player to wear No. 1 in 90 years.
"Thank you to the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear Number 1 for the New York Giants," Nabers said in a statement. "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."
With permission from the family of Giants legend Ray Flaherty, Malik Nabers will wear No. 1.
Flaherty's number was the first to be retired in Pro Football History. #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/9I5BKSkIVK
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 28, 2024
Flaherty was a member of the New York throughout his eight years. He later coached for Washington and New York. He was a seven-time All-Pro and in 1932, he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was a three-time champion with two of those coming as a coach.
Instagram: @cantguard_malik
For Nabers, he enters the NFL with high hopes of becoming a generational talent at the wide receiver position. He excelled at LSU where he was a unanimous All-American in 2023 following an 89 catch season with more than 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is slated to be the top option for quarterback Daniel Jones, who will be coming back from a season-ending injury.
Nabers, who wore No. 8 in college, will officially debut the new No. 1 look when the team kicks off its season on Sept. 8 with a home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
