New York Giants unretire jersey number for rookie Malik Nabers after he received permission from legend’s family

NEW York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will wear the No. 1 jersey, which has been retired by the team for 89 years.

The Giants retired the number in honor of the legendary Ray Flaherty in 1935.

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AP

It was the first retired jersey in pro football history.

But Nabers, 21, received permission from the Flaherty family to wear the number this week.

“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.”

Nabers sported No. 9 in the offseason, but it was expected to change since the number belongs to Giants kicker Graham Gano.

Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones wears the No. 8 jersey, which the first-round pick donned at Louisiana State University .

The Giants initially rejected the young wideout’s request.

But after further consideration, team present John Mara said they reached out to the Flaherty family, including Ray Jr., daughter Shelby, and sons Chad and Conner.

Despite initial hesitation, the Flahertys eventually gave their blessing.

“I thought it was a very gracious gesture on their part,” Mara said.

“But I also thought it would allow us to at least educate people as to who Ray Flaherty was, because he played in the 1930s.

“And I’m sure that most of our fans have no idea who he was.

“We’re very grateful to the Flaherty family and I told them that the number would go back to being retired after Malik’s career, which hopefully will last many years, is over.”

NFL important dates

August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

The Flaherty family was excited about the opportunity to make the current generation of Giants fans familiar with Ray’s legacy.

The Gonzaga product spent four seasons with the franchise, winning the 1934 NFL championship during that time.

Meanwhile, Nabers flashed his tremendous potential in the preseason.

The wideout made a few athletic catches, proving he’s ready to assume the top receiver role on the Giants offense.

In the second preseason matchup, a 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans , he ended up with four receptions for 54 yards,

The Giants on the 2024 campaign on Sunday, September 8.

They will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.