The New York Giants have made a significant decision regarding rookie receiver Malik Nabers, as they have chosen to bring back the retired number 1 for him to wear this season. This move marks the first time the Giants are reintroducing a retired number into service since it was retired in 1935 along with end Ray Flaherty's retirement, making it the first number to be retired in pro football history.
The decision to un-retire the number came after discussions between Giants co-owner and chief executive John Mara and Ray Flaherty, Jr. Nabers, who had been wearing number 9 since being drafted, needed a new number due to punter Graham Gano already having that number. Despite wearing number 8 at LSU, it was unavailable as it belongs to quarterback Daniel Jones.
In a statement released by the team, Nabers expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to wear the retired number, stating that he will represent the Flaherty family's legacy with pride. Nabers declined to speak to the media after practice on Wednesday, with plans to address the press on Thursday.
The Giants revealed that Nabers had approached Mara about the possibility of using the retired number, and Mara sought approval from Flaherty's surviving family members. The decision to activate the number was contingent on the consent of Ray Jr., Shelby, Chad, and Conner Flaherty.
Ray Flaherty, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976 as a coach, played for the Giants from 1928-29 and 1931-35. He was instrumental in leading the team to the NFL Championship Game in 1933, 1934, and 1935. Flaherty, credited with introducing the screen pass, had a successful coaching career with Boston, Washington, New York Yankees, and Chicago Hornets, winning two titles with Washington before his passing in 1994.
This decision by the Giants to bring back the retired number 1 for Malik Nabers underscores the team's commitment to honoring the legacy of Ray Flaherty and recognizing the impact he had on the franchise's history.
