Who doesn't know about Ray Flaherty? A well-known NFL player and coach who most notably played for the New York Giants. After his playing career ended, the New York Giants retired his jersey number 1 in 1935, making it the first in NFL history to be retired.
And now the giant's retired jersey is coming out, and Malik Nabers, a sensational American football wide receiver, is likely to wear this retired jersey number in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After wearing the No. 9 jersey during the pre-season, this New York rookie, Malik Nabers, has made a change, looking forward to their Week 1 clash with the Minnesota werewolves.
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The Significance of No. 1
Ray Flaherty's jersey number 1 holds great significance in the history of the New York Giants and professional football. It was the first number ever retired in professional football, a move made to honour Flaherty's outstanding contributions as both a player and a coach.
Flaherty played for the Giants from 1927 to 1935, earning recognition as a three-time All-Pro and helping the team secure an NFL championship in 1934.
After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, where he also achieved considerable success, including two championships with the Washington team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
The Giants retired Flaherty's No. 1 jersey in 1935, marking a significant acknowledgement of his impact on the team and the game.
Malik Nabers receives permission to wear Giants' previously retired No. 1 jersey https://t.co/up5DNIJZRZ
Nabers' Connection to the Giants' History
Recently, the Giants decided to unretire this number to allow rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers to wear it, with the approval of Flaherty's family.
This decision reflects the family's belief that Nabers embodies the qualities that Flaherty represented, and they hope it will introduce a new generation of fans to Flaherty's legacy.
Malik Nabers, who was drafted sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to wear such a historic number.
He had previously worn numbers 8 and 9 in college and during preseason, but both were unavailable for the Giants. While looking for a New Jersey number, the number one caught his interest, prompting him to ask Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen if it was possible.
The request was later brought to John Mara's attention, and Mara, knowing the history of the New York Giants and Flaherty's significance to the club, refused to reintroduce the number without the permission of Flaherty's family members.
His request to wear the retired number was initially met with hesitation, but after discussions with Flaherty's family, permission was granted. Nabers has committed to honouring Flaherty's legacy while wearing the jersey.
Who was Ray Flaherty?
Ray Flaherty was a prominent figure in American football, both as a player and a coach. Born on September 1, 1903, in Spokane, Washington, he played in the NFL from 1927 to 1935, primarily with the New York Giants, where he earned multiple All-Pro selections.
Flaherty later transitioned to coaching, leading the Boston Redskins and the Washington Redskins, where he won two NFL championships in 1937 and 1942. He is credited with innovating the screen pass, a significant tactical development in football.
Flaherty's coaching career spanned from 1935 to 1949, culminating in an impressive record of 80 wins, 37 losses, and 5 ties.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976, recognising his substantial contributions to the sport. Flaherty passed away on July 19, 1994, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the NFL.
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