Giants Unretire Number for Nabers' Jersey Reveal

Optimism for New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers has only been matched by the impatience surrounding his jersey number.

He wore kicker Graham Gano’s No. 9 throughout camp, quarterback Daniel Jones’ No. 8 in college, and speculated about the merits of taking another single-digit, even number before the end of camp.

The wait is over, but not without the help of the organization’s first legend.

As first reported by the New York Post , Nabers will wear No. 1 for New York

That number was previously unavailable to nearly a century’s worth of Giants. Former New York defensive end Ray Flaherty had his No. 1 retired in 1935 – the first in the sport to receive such an honor.

His family would give the Giants, and their most exciting player, their blessing.

“After thinking about it a little bit, my feeling was we would allow that only if the Flaherty family was OK with it,” owner John Mara said, via Steve Serby. “I think it’s very gracious on their part, and Malik understands that that comes with a certain responsibility and how he needs to conduct himself and represent the organization and the Flaherty family. He’s been great about it, he immediately called them to thank them.”

Nabers spoke to Ray Flaherty Jr. on Wednesday to thank him for the privilege of wearing No. 1.

“I really appreciate you letting me wear your father’s retired jersey,” Nabers told him. “I’m gonna wear it with honor. I’m gonna do my best when I’m out there on the field to represent y’all the right way.”

Flaherty is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, won an NFL championship as a player (and two as a coach), and was named a first-team All-Pro seven times.

Related: 'Stay Consistent!' Thibodeaux Advises Giants Rookie Nabers

Those are awfully big shoes to fill. But after an incredible farewell tour at LSU and a summer spent scorching defensive backs, Nabers is on the fast track to superstardom.

Flaherty’s number will return to retirement after Nabers’ playing days are over. He’ll hope to join the icon among the most esteemed in Giants history when it’s all said and done.