Ray Flaherty began his professional career in 1927 with the New York Yankees. Not those Yankees, but the NFL iteration. He then joined the New York Giants in 1929 and played defensive end for six seasons.
His career was marked with accolade after accolade. During the 1932 season, he led the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He was a seven-time All-Pro and helped win a championship in 1934.
After his playing career ended, Flaherty entered the coaching fraternity and led the Washington Redskins to championships in 1937 and 1942.
But his claim to fame may be that his No. 1 jersey with the New York Giants was the first in NFL history to be “taken out of circulation” after the 1935 season.
After 79 years, someone cue up the LL Cool J because the New York Giants No. 1 is making a comeback, as the Flaherty family has given permission to Malik Nabers to wear the number after he inquired about making a change in the offseason.
The 6-foot, 200-pound Nabers was selected by the Giants with the number six overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. In what was a loaded wide receiver class, Nabers was highly rated by most.
In his final season at LSU, Nabers had 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Flaherty led the league in receiving during the 1932 season. Giants fans are hoping history repeats itself.
When Nabers retires from football, Flaherty’s No. 1 will be “re-retired.”
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