Malik Nabers' New Jersey Number
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In 1935, the New York Giants made football history by retiring Ray Flaherty's number 1 jersey. On August 28, 2024, after gaining permission from the Flaherty family, the number came out of retirement and will be worn by Malik Nabers. Let's take a deeper dive into this.
Ray Flaherty
Flaherty grew up in Spokane, Washington, where he attended Gonzaga High School. The same Gonzaga High School as New Orleans Saints legend Steve Gleason, basketball hall of famer John Stockton, and famous entertainer Bing Crosby. He would originally attend Washington State College, now Washington State University, before transferring to Gonzaga University to finish out his college years. While at Gonzaga, he would participate in track & field, baseball, basketball, and football. His professional career began with the Los Angeles Wildcats, a team that would only last for the 1926 season. He would then spend the following two seasons with the New York Yankees (a football team). In 1929, he would sign with the New York Giants, where he would play the 1929, 1931-1935 seasons. Flaherty would take the 1930 season to return to Gonzaga University to coach the football team. Upon returning in 1931, Flaherty would have great seasons: third-team All-Pro in 1931, NFL leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in 1932, and he would help the Giants win the NFL Championship in 1934. After Flaherty retired in 1935, the Giants retired his number 1 jersey. Flaherty would go on to have a great 14-year NFL coaching career as he would win two more NFL Championships. In 1976, Flaherty would enter football immortality when he would be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. It is said Flaherty is the creator of the screen pass. He is a member of the Washington Commander Greatest 90.
After some discussion, the Flaherty family decided to allow Malik to wear Ray's number as it may "bring Malik some luck" and "it would allow the new generation to be introduced to Ray Flaherty's legacy."
Malik Nabers
Malik grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana. He would attend Ovey Comeaux High School for his freshman - junior years. He would elect to transfer to Southside High School, but after his transfer waiver was denied, Malik would have to sit out his senior season. Malik would attend several camps and still obtain a 4-star rating from all major recruiting services. Nabers was committed to Mississippi State University before flipping his commitment late to Louisiana State University. Malik would become arguably the best Tiger receiver of all time. Malik ranks 1st all time in career receiving yards, 1st in career receptions, and 7th in receiving touchdowns in LSU history. He would become the 6th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Giants organization has said they will place the number back into retirement after Malik's playing days are done. The Giants hope Malik has a career that lasts "many years."
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