New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will have some big shoes to fill when he takes to the field for the first time in the regular season, sporting a number that hasn’t been worn in nearly 90 years.

The team announced on Wednesday that the sixth-overall pick in 2024 will wear No. 1 after receiving permission from the family of Ray Flaherty. The former player and head coach was the first professional football player to have his number retired in 1935 and has not been used by any member of the Giants since.

“I understand the responsibility, and I will do everything in my power to honor the Flaherty family and this organization,” Nabers said in a statement released by the team. “I will wear the number with great pride. Can’t wait for the season to start.”

Flaherty played for the Giants in 1929, then again from 1931 to his retirement as a player in 1935. He was an NFL champion with the team in 1934 and in 1932, led the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 90.

According to a report by the New York Post’s Steve Serby, the Flaherty family and the Giants intend to re-retire No. 1 once Nabers ends his tenure with the Giants.

Nabers, 21, was drafted out of Louisiana State University, where he was named a unanimous All-American in 2023. Declaring for the NFL Draft in 2024, he left LSU as their all-time leader in receiving yards with 3,003.

In a surprising move, the Flaherty family has granted permission to San Francisco Giants rookie outfielder, Will Nabers, to wear the coveted No. 1 jersey. The number holds special significance for the Flaherty family, as it was worn by their late son and former Giants player, Mike Flaherty.

Mike Flaherty was a beloved member of the Giants organization, known for his talent on the field and his infectious personality off of it. Tragically, Flaherty passed away in a car accident last year, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

When Nabers approached the Flaherty family with a request to wear the No. 1 jersey, they were initially hesitant. However, after meeting with Nabers and hearing about his respect for Mike Flaherty and his desire to honor his memory, the family ultimately decided to grant him permission.

In a statement released by the Flaherty family, they expressed their gratitude to Nabers for his understanding and respect for their son’s legacy. They also expressed their hope that Nabers will wear the No. 1 jersey with pride and honor, just as Mike Flaherty did during his time with the Giants.

Nabers, who was drafted by the Giants in the third round of this year’s MLB draft, has shown promise as a young player with a bright future ahead of him. He has already garnered attention for his impressive performance in spring training and is expected to make his major league debut in the coming weeks.

The decision to allow Nabers to wear the No. 1 jersey is a touching tribute to Mike Flaherty and a testament to the bond that exists within the Giants organization. It serves as a reminder of the impact that one player can have on a team and its fans, and the lasting legacy that they leave behind.

As Nabers takes the field wearing the No. 1 jersey, he will carry with him the memory of Mike Flaherty and the support of the Flaherty family. It is a gesture that goes beyond baseball, showing the power of unity, respect, and honoring those who have come before us.