NEW York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will wear the No. 1 jersey that the team hasn’t worn in 89 years.
The Giants retired the number 1935 in honor of the legendary Ray Flaherty.
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It was the first jersey to be retired in the history of professional football.
But Nabers, 21, received permission from the Flaherty family to wear the number this week.
“I thank the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear No. 1 for the New York Giants,” Nabers said in a statement.
“I am aware of the responsibility and will do everything in my power to honor the Flaherty family and this organization.
“I will wear the number with great pride. I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Nabers wore number 9 in the offseason, but a change was expected because the number belongs to Giants kicker Graham Gano.
Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones wears the No. 8 jersey that the first-round pick wore at Louisiana State University.
The Giants initially rejected the young wide receiver’s request.
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But after further consideration, said team employee John Mara, who was present, they contacted the Flaherty family, which included Ray Jr., daughter Shelby and sons Chad and Conner.
Despite initial hesitation, the Flahertys finally gave their blessing.
“I thought it was a very nice gesture from them,” said Mara.
“But I also thought it would allow us to at least educate people about who Ray Flaherty was because he played in the 1930s.
“And I’m sure most of our fans have no idea who he was.
“We are very grateful to the Flaherty family and I have told them that the number will be retired again when Malik’s career, which will hopefully last for many years, is over.”
Important NFL dates
August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
August 8 – start of the preseason
August 27 – Deadline for 53-man squad
September 1st – Last day of the preseason
September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs
November 5 – Close
January 5 – Week 18 of the regular season
January 11 – Playoffs begin
February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Flaherty family was excited about the opportunity to introduce the current generation of Giants fans to Ray’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Nabers showed his enormous potential in the preseason.
The wide receiver made a few athletic catches, proving he is ready to take on the role of the best receiver in the Giants’ offense.
In the second game of the preseason, a 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans, he caught four passes for 54 yards,
The Giants in the 2024 season on Sunday, September 8th.
In week 1 they will face the Minnesota Vikings.
