Giants rookie Malik Nabers has a new jersey number. A number that hasn’t actually been assigned in almost 90 years

The jersey number 1 has not been assigned by the New York Giants since 1935. It was last worn by Hall-of-Famer Ray Flaherty.

After his retirement, the Giants made the historic decision to discontinue the back number – an absolute first in professional American football.

The franchise announced that 89 years later, a Giant will once again wear the number 1: Rookie receiver Malik Nabers.

The 21-year-old had asked the descendants of Hall-of-Famer Flaherty for permission to choose the historic jersey number. After brief consideration, the family agreed.

“I thank the Flaherty family for allowing me to wear the New York Giants’ No. 1,” Nabers said in a statement released by the team. “I am aware of the responsibility and will do everything in my power to honor the Flaherty family and this organization. “

Ray Flaherty played six seasons as an end and receiver with the New York Giants until his retirement, and was also previously under contract with former NFL teams the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Wildcats. During his career, he was selected to the All-Pro team eight times and won the NFL title with the Giants in 1934.

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Flaherty also made a name for himself as a coach: As head coach of the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears, he made it to the Championship Game a total of three times, winning the title once. He is also regarded as the inventor of the modern screen pass behind the line of scrimmage