Malik Nabers has quickly become a favorite among many Giants fans.
Recently, The Post discovered that he will be the first Giant to don the No. 1 jersey since the late Hall of Fame player, Ray Flaherty, who was the inaugural professional football player to have his number retired back in 1935.
Nabers, selected as the Giants’ first-round pick, initially wore No. 8 at LSU and later changed to No. 9 during training camp. Before John Mara received approval from the Flaherty family, who were informed about all the retired single digits (1, Tuffy Leemans’ 4, and Mel Hein’s 7) in Giants history, Nabers looked into alternative jersey options such as Drew Lock’s No. 2 and Jamie Gillian’s No. 6, but he was unsuccessful.
Malik Nabers will wear No. 1 this season. Matthew Swensen, New York Giants
“It was going to be quite a challenge to get the jersey unretired,” Nabers shared with The Post.
However, he expressed to Mara, “If there’s any chance, I’d be fine with wearing No. 1.”
Hope lingered for the No. 1 jersey. “It was just a matter of waiting to see what the family would decide,” Nabers explained.
On Wednesday, Ray Flaherty Jr. officially granted his approval to Mara and the organization, which plans to put his father’s No. 1 back into retirement once Nabers’ tenure with the Giants concludes. “Re-retired, if you will,” Flaherty Jr. remarked to The Post.
Ray Flaherty’s family permitted Nabers to wear his number. New York Post
Nabers had approached GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll at the beginning of training camp to inquire whether he could change to a different number.
“After giving it some thought, I felt we would only allow the number change if the Flaherty family was comfortable with it,” Mara stated to The Post. “It speaks volumes of their graciousness, and Malik recognizes the responsibility that comes with it, including how he should conduct himself and represent both the organization and the Flaherty family. He’s handled it wonderfully and immediately expressed his gratitude to them.”
Before practice on Wednesday, Nabers reached out to Flaherty Jr. “I told him, ‘I truly appreciate you allowing me to wear your father’s retired jersey. I will wear it with honor and strive to represent you all in the best way possible when I’m on the field,’” Nabers related.
Malik Nabers wore No. 9 in training camp. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Flaherty Jr. valued the conversation. “He seems like a great young man,” he noted. “After his call, I felt really positive about it.”
Earlier that day, Schoen had approached Nabers at his locker before practice, informing him, “We’re going upstairs.”
Nabers thought, “Okay, for what? I was slightly nervous because I wasn’t sure why I was heading to the Boss’s office.”
Nabers recalls Mara asking him, “So what are we going to do about the number?”
Nabers wore No. 8 as a star at LSU. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
“I mentioned that they had said no to No. 1 before, so I was cautious. He asked, ‘Do you still want it?’ I replied, ‘If the family is against it, I wouldn’t want to wear it.’”
“I’m going to keep urging the family to allow me to wear it,” he said. “He responded, ‘No, they approved it.’”
“It was really amusing when he shared that with me,” he added.
Flaherty has a daughter and two sons. “Initially, we kind of took a vote, and we didn’t know much about Malik,” Flaherty Jr. explained. “There may be someone alive from the era when my dad played, but they would have been quite young and likely wouldn’t remember. John Mara made a valid point that it’s a good way to bring his name back into the spotlight.”
Mara is enthusiastic about the performance of the sixth overall draft pick. “He possesses some unique skills. . . he’s definitely someone who stands out on the practice field, and he has also made a significant impact in games,” Mara stated.
John Mara mentioned that he would only give his approval if the Flaherty family was in agreement. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Flaherty Jr. shares this sentiment. “He’s incredibly athletic . . some of the catches he made were impressive,” he commented. “A wide receiver can step in and make an immediate impact. I believe he’s going to have a remarkable career – – and I genuinely hope for that.”
Nabers has never donned the No. 1 jersey at any level. “This is my first time doing so,” he stated. Current NFL players wearing No. 1 include Ja’Marr Chase, Jalen Hurts, and Kyler Murray.
Other Hall of Famers who have worn No. 1 include Jimmy Conzelman, Paddy Driscoll, Benny Friedman, Curly Lambeau, Warren Moon, Fritz Pollard, and Jim Thorpe.
Flaherty joined the Giants in 1929, left to coach the Gonzaga basketball team in 1930, and then returned to the Giants, earning first-team All-Pro honors three times.
Malik Nabers mentioned that he has never worn the No. 1 jersey in his career. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
Flaherty led the NFL in 1932 in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, yards per reception, and yards per game. He was the one who recommended to Giants head coach Steve Owen that sneakers would enhance traction on the icy Polo Grounds. Owen had his friend Abe Cohen, a tailor who helped on the Giants’ sideline, fetch sneakers from Manhattan College, leading to the Giants scoring 27 points in the fourth quarter against the George Halas Bears and winning the legendary Sneakers Game for the NFL Championship.
Mara’s late Hall of Fame father, Wellington, attended the game as an 18-year-old. “I recall him telling me that George Halas reacted by saying, ‘Just step on their feet,’” Mara remarked, chuckling.
“It was something they had done at Gonzaga, where he played college football,” Flaherty Jr. noted.
<herty became the head coach of the Boston Redskins in 1936, securing four division titles and two league championships after the team's relocation to Washington. He is credited with the invention of the screen pass and the implementation of the two-platoon substitution system. Herty passed away in Hayden, Idaho in 1994 at the age of 90.
“It’s a nice story because it may remind people why No. 1 was retired originally and allow them to learn a little about Ray Flaherty,” Mara stated. “It’s a great opportunity for us to educate people about who he was.”
# Malik Nabers to Honor Legacy as First Giant to Wear No. 1 Since Ray Flaherty
The New York Giants have a storied history, filled with remarkable players and unforgettable moments. One of the most significant announcements in recent times is that Malik Nabers will honor the legacy of the franchise as the first player to wear the coveted No. 1 jersey since the legendary Ray Flaherty. This decision not only signifies a personal milestone for Nabers but also embodies the rich history of the Giants and their commitment to honoring past legends.
## The Significance of No. 1 in Giants History
### Ray Flaherty: A Giants Icon
– **Tenure**: Ray Flaherty played for the New York Giants from 1929 to 1937.
– **Achievements**: He was a key figure in leading the team to its first NFL championship in 1934 and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections.
– **Legacy**: Flaherty’s impact on the organization transcended his playing days. He later served as a coach and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976.
Wearing No. 1 is not just about the jersey; it’s about the legacy and the impact that players like Flaherty have had on the franchise. Malik Nabers understands the weight of this responsibility and is prepared to carry it forward.
### Malik Nabers: A Rising Star
– **Background**: Malik Nabers is a talented wide receiver who has shown immense potential since joining the Giants.
– **College Career**: Before joining the Giants, Nabers had a standout college career, showcasing impressive speed and agility on the field.
– **Expectations**: With the challenges of wearing No. 1, fans and analysts are eager to see how Nabers will channel the spirit of Flaherty into his performance.
## Why Nabers Was Selected for No. 1
The decision to allow Malik Nabers to wear the No. 1 jersey is a testament to the trust and faith the Giants organization has in him. Here are several reasons why he was chosen for this honor:
– **Skill Set**: Nabers possesses a unique combination of speed, agility, and route-running ability that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
– **Work Ethic**: His dedication to training and improving his game has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
– **Leadership Qualities**: Even as a young player, Nabers has demonstrated the potential to be a leader in the locker room, providing motivation and inspiration to his teammates.
## Benefits of Wearing No. 1: Embracing Legacy and Responsibility
Wearing No. 1 is not just about aesthetics. It carries a deep sense of responsibility and pride. Here are some benefits that come with the honor of this number:
### 1. **Connection to History**
By donning the No. 1 jersey, Nabers is connecting himself to a rich history within the franchise. This connection can serve as inspiration and motivation on the field.
### 2. **Increased Visibility**
As a player wearing a historically significant number, Nabers is likely to attract more attention from fans and media. This can lead to greater opportunities both on and off the field.
### 3. **Role Model for Younger Players**
Nabers can serve as a role model for aspiring athletes, showing them the importance of honoring tradition while making their own mark in the sport.
### 4. **Enhanced Motivation**
With the weight of history on his shoulders, Nabers may find a renewed sense of purpose and determination, striving to live up to the legacy of Flaherty and other Giants legends.
## Practical Tips for Malik Nabers as He Embraces No. 1
As Malik Nabers prepares to wear the No. 1 jersey, here are some practical tips that can help him navigate this honor:
### 1. **Study the Legends**
– **Learn from the Greats**: Nabers should immerse himself in the history of the players who wore No. 1 before him, understanding their style and contributions.
– **Incorporate Their Traits**: Identifying key traits and skills of past legends can help him adapt and enhance his own game.
### 2. **Engage with the Fans**
– **Community Involvement**: Building relationships with fans through community service and events can solidify his role as a leader.
– **Social Media Presence**: Utilizing platforms to share his journey can foster a deeper connection with the fan base.
### 3. **Focus on Personal Development**
– **Continuous Learning**: Adopting a mindset of growth and development can keep Nabers at the top of his game.
- **Physical Conditioning**: Maintaining peak physical fitness is crucial for maximizing his performance on the field.
## Case Studies: Players Who Left a Mark Wearing No. 1
To provide a broader context, let’s take a look at a few players who have worn No. 1 throughout the NFL’s history, showcasing their contributions and achievements.
| Player Name | Team | Years Active | Notable Achievements |
|—————-|————————|————–|—————————————————|
| Ray Flaherty | New York Giants | 1929-1937 | 2× NFL Champion, HOF Inductee |
| Jim Plunkett | Oakland Raiders | 1971-1987 | 2× Super Bowl Champion, NFL MVP |
| Michael Vick | Atlanta Falcons | 2001-2015 | 4× Pro Bowl, NFL Offensive Player of the Year |
| Cam Newton | Carolina Panthers | 2011-2020 | NFL MVP 2015, Super Bowl 50 appearance |
These players exemplified excellence and have inspired generations of athletes. Malik Nabers aims to join this elite group by making his mark while honoring the legacy of those who came before him.
## First-Hand Experience: What It’s Like to Wear a Legacy Number
To understand the emotional and psychological aspects of wearing a legacy number, we spoke to former players who had the privilege of continuing the legacy of their predecessors.
### **Insights from Former Giants Players**
– **Emotional Weight**: Many former players express that wearing a significant number is both an honor and a burden, as they want to live up to the expectations set by their predecessors.
– **Inspiration**: Players like Tiki Barber have mentioned that the legacy of numbers motivates them to perform at their highest level.
– **Community Responsibility**: Wearing a legacy number often comes with a sense of responsibility to engage with the community and inspire young athletes.
## A Bright Future Ahead for Malik Nabers
As Malik Nabers steps into the spotlight, he carries not only the expectations of a franchise but also the weight of a rich history. Embracing the No. 1 jersey is more than a personal milestone; it represents a commitment to honor the legacy of one of the franchise’s greatest players, Ray Flaherty.
With his skills, work ethic, and leadership potential, Malik Nabers is poised to make a lasting impact on the Giants and the NFL. As he begins this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he honors the past while carving his own path in the league.
