Ryan Dunleavy
@rydunleavy
Exclusive from
@NYPost_Serby
: #Giants are unretiring No. 1 -- the first professional football number ever retired -- to give to Malik Nabers. https://nypost.com/2024/08/28/sports/giants-rookie-malik-nabers-to-wear-long-retired-no-1/
John Mara: "Malik understands that that comes with a certain responsibility and how he needs to conduct himself and represent the organization and the Flaherty family. He’s been great about it, he immediately called them to thank them.” #Giants100
Paul Schwartz
@NYPost_Schwartz
Ray Flaherty was the first professional football player to have his number retired - in 1935. His family green-lighted No. 1 coming out of retirement for Nabers to wear.
Paul Schwartz
@NYPost_Schwartz
·
2m
Ray Flaherty was the first professional football player to have his number retired - in 1935. His family green-lighted No. 1 coming out of retirement for Nabers to wear.
but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
Did he just want single
Digit and didn’t care about 1?
Now he’s going to have to claim that he understands what a big deal it is that this guy from 1935’s family is allowing him to use the number.
but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
Did he just want single
Digit and didn’t care about 1?
Now he’s going to have to claim that he understands what a big deal it is that this guy from 1935’s family is allowing him to use the number.
Either that or he's gonna change his name to Leek Flaherty
RE: I know... old man here who says get off my lawn
but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
I agree with it. Honor the guys, and wait time for your #10 and #92, but the rosters are bigger. Some teams have an outrageous amount of retired numbers. I'm happy NYG did this and should do them all.
Ray Flaherty spent most of his playing career with the New York Giants, joining the team in 1929. After leaving in 1930 to coach the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team, Flaherty re-joined the Giants in 1931 and stayed with the team through the 1935 season. He was an outstanding end with the Giants, being named First-Team All-Pro three times. In 1932, Flaherty led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, yards per reception and yards per game. Flaherty helped lead the Giants to a NFL Championship in 1934. When the Giants retired his No. 1 jersey following the 1935 season, it was the first time a professional football team had ever retired a player's jersey number.
I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
I think you should keep it, but expand on the Ray Flaherty note at the bottom.
Because if I have to endure the pain of watching him bust, AND listen to nineteen year olds on social media talk about how he's "disrespecting Ray Flaherty's legacy," I don't think I'll be able to take it.
Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
Nabers when asked about his number wanted 6 or 8 but both were obviously taken he mentioned 1 but said if they say no he was not going to push it...
Mara called the family and told them it was completely up to them and they have been thinking about it and ultimately the family decided to let him use 1....They think it is a good think because it will get the name back out there that a lot of fans dont even know about..
Nabers when first told, said to Mara i dont want to keep pushing it, if they sai no, then thats it, but mara told him they said yes and he was very appreciative and even called the family to thank them..
Seems Nabers understands the oreasure that is going to come with doing this
Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
Nabers when asked about his number wanted 6 or 8 but both were obviously taken he mentioned 1 but said if they say no he was not going to push it...
Mara called the family and told them it was completely up to them and they have been thinking about it and ultimately the family decided to let him use 1....They think it is a good think because it will get the name back out there that a lot of fans dont even know about..
Nabers when first told, said to Mara i dont want to keep pushing it, if they sai no, then thats it, but mara told him they said yes and he was very appreciative and even called the family to thank them..
Seems Nabers understands the oreasure that is going to come with doing this
No respek.
What a butthole.
Etc
RE: I’ve become more of a fan of the ring of honor
but i dont think they should be retired forever, i dont think they should be given out to the bottom of the roster player but for a special player i think it ahould still be given out
If I recall correctly, Ray Flaherty had the idea to switch to sneakers at halftime and the Giants defeated the Bears 30-13
Yup. From wiki:
A freezing rain the night before the game froze the Polo Grounds field.[10] After Giants end Ray Flaherty remarked to head coach Steve Owen that sneakers would provide better footing on the frozen playing surface,[11] Owen sent his friend Abe Cohen, a tailor who assisted on the Giants sideline, to Manhattan College to get some sneakers.
Maybe Nabers didn’t know #1 was not an even number.
Over retiring a number.. unless that player is the on the level of an LT
I agree
Great, except for the pesky little fact that people play in different eras. Your LT is not someone else's, as Eric stated above. All or none. And I'm not a fan of retiring numbers but once you've gone there ...stick with it or don't
That since the NFL changed the jersey numbering system after the 2020 season, more and more players are preferring the single digit numbers they wore in college.
The #1 jersey usually represents the team’s #1 receiver. It can also mean the team’s #1 cornerback. This is why a ton of players are using #1 like Jamarr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Sauce Gardner, and Jaylon Johnson.
numbers aren't that big of a deal to me, but I also agree that unretiring all numbers would make the most sense from here on out if the surviving players agreed. The Ring of Honor fulfills the same purpose and the players will still be recognized by the number they played with.
I like Nabers so far and hope that he doesn't bust when the real games begin.
I still think Jones should give up #8 in hopes of changing his luck.
Numbers should be retired for players like Rosey Brown, LT, Eli Manning, Michael Strahan. Guys that play here for 12+ years wearing the same number & win multiple titles. I know Rosey didn't win multiple titles, but the dude was a 9 time All-Pro & 9 time Pro Bowler.
Rosters are getting bigger and bigger. It's going to be impossible to keep all numbers retired.
RE: I know... old man here who says get off my lawn
but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
My thought for a while has been to unretire all numbers and have them on the ring of honor; and not reassign ring of honor numbers as long as that player is alive. I think that respects the intent and something of the tradition of a retired number.
RE: I know... old man here who says get off my lawn
"Ray Flaherty Jr. officially on Wednesday gave his blessings to Mara and the franchise, which intends to return his father’s No. 1 to retirement again once Nabers’ Giants career ends. “Re-retired if you will,” Flaherty Jr. told the Post. " Number will be re-retired when Nabers is no longer with Giants - ( New Window )
Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
I agree with this. I think this is pretty cheesy from everyone involved.
"Ray Flaherty Jr. officially on Wednesday gave his blessings to Mara and the franchise, which intends to return his father’s No. 1 to retirement again once Nabers’ Giants career ends. “Re-retired if you will,” Flaherty Jr. told the Post. " Number will be re-retired when Nabers is no longer with Giants - ( New Window )
Not to think too far ahead - but what if Nabers winds up having a HOF-worthy career with the Giants, finishing atop the team record books in multiple receiving categories - with a couple Super Bowl rings and other accolades?
Basically, what if he winds up being the Eli Manning of New York Giants receivers? Who gets to keep the number?
But in this case the guy played 90 years ago. The number has been retired long enough. Same for #4 and #7.
I agree, they should pick amount of years, a little earlier than 90 in my opinion. Make it a celebration and do it when people who watch that player are old men and let those fans reminace in the greatness, and get those numbers back in cycle.
I was was a little kid watching Taylor play and helped make me a giants fan. It would be cool if I lived to my late 80s and got to see the celebration of his unretired number. The people who are younger than me will get to see Eli and Strahan number go back in.
Now that we are finally doing it, it has to go to a potentially worthy candidate. Nabers was drafted to be the new face of the franchise. If not him then who?
How many of the people using this site, have more then video replays of players from the 60's and famous pictures and stories from fmilies of these original retired numbers.
The family was in favor of it. I recall reading about Flaherty in a historical Giants book I still have, but thats it.
the majority of fans have to lookup the player on Google just to know who he is, then maybe it is time to move that player's number to the "Ring of Fame" and make the number available again.
Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
Exactly, You've hit the nail on the head
This isn't that kind of situation. The family "green-lighted" him getting the number. Maybe some families wouldn't want to do that.
Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
I agree with this. I think this is pretty cheesy from everyone involved.
Also did you have a problem when the Broncos did it for Peyton Manning?
I'm gonna be honest, i dont think theres any way to understand Ray Flaherty having his number retired unless you lived in that era. Its so long ago that just looking at his biography does not tell a story thst you would think justifies it.
The problem isn’t Nabers asking for a retired number
The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
If he had asked for #11, would they give it to him?
A generation of Giants fans have a connection to Simms. I don't think there are many people alive that a connection with Flaherty.
And 50 years from now no one will have a connection to Simms. Does the number stay retired or not?
Look none of this is the end of the world. It's just kind of lame. It's lame of the Giants to unretire the number, and it's lame of Nabers to still want the number even though he knew it was retired. It's just not a good look.
Whatever.
RE: I know... old man here who says get off my lawn
but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
Eric, I don't understand. The family gave their blessing. You think that makes it ok to just unretire everyone's jersey? If the family is fine with it, why would you or I even care?
The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Of course its favoritism. Who ever said everyone is treated the same in sports? Everyone understands a different standard exists for first round draft picks than a 6th round pick. The heirarchy of sports is talent-based.
The next time the Giants retire a number, what will be the big deal?
And 50 years from now no one will have a connection to Simms. Does the number stay retired or not?
Look none of this is the end of the world. It's just kind of lame. It's lame of the Giants to unretire the number, and it's lame of Nabers to still want the number even though he knew it was retired. It's just not a good look.
Whatever.
It's a fair point, but at least 50 years from now people will have video of Simms winning Super Bowl 21 against the Broncos. We don't have anything for Flaherty.
Also did you have a problem when the Broncos did it for Peyton Manning?
I had no idea they had. If that's true, then yeah it's lame from the Broncos and from Peyton.
Peyton Manning is a very different scenario. Manning was already a first ballot Hall of Famer and considered one of the best QBs of all time when that occurred. He had already wore #18 while accomplishing all of that.
Malik Nabers hasn’t caught an NFL pass for the NY Giants.
And it was already a story about #18 before Manning signed with Denver. Tripucka wanted him to wear #18 as a result and Manning did not want to wear and even called Tripucka to tell him he didn’t want to wear it.
“When Peyton Manning called up Frank Tripucka in the spring of 2012, he told the Broncos' first franchise quarterback that he didn't want to wear No. 18, the number Manning had worn for 14 seasons in Indianapolis. The number he had as he won four NFL MVPs and one Super Bowl.
Out of respect for the game and its former players, Manning believed Tripucka's retired Denver Broncos No. 18 jersey should remain out of circulation - no matter what Manning had done as a quarterback with that number.
But the original No. 18 insisted - there was a short list of players he'd consider to wear his number and the former Colts quarterback who would now be on his favorite team was at the top.
"I'd be honored. You're my kind of quarterback, and I insist you wear it," recalled Chris Tripucka of his father's response to Manning.
But there was one caveat.
"Peyton, being the guy he is, asked my dad if there was anything he could do to repay him for using the No. 18," said Chris, the youngest of seven Tripucka children who was a wide receiver at Boston College and is now father to two football stars of his own - Shane and Nicholas (also a No. 18).
His father's request for a championship was exactly what you'd expect from an NFL quarterback
"Yeah, go out and win a Super Bowl for me."
So Manning did.”
"It really goes against everything I believe in being a guy who appreciates the history of football and I believe when a number is retired it should stay retired; but in talking to Frank Tripucka, I feel he really wants me to wear his number," Manning said at his introductory press conference. "It was a very humbling conversation and I am honored to wear his number, being another quarterback for the Denver Broncos as Mr. Tripucka was back years ago as the first quarterback to play here. It truly is an honor for me and I'm really following his wishes to wear it because that's what he wants me to do and I'm honored to do that."
It’s a very different situation
RE: RE: The problem isn’t Nabers asking for a retired number
The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Of course its favoritism. Who ever said everyone is treated the same in sports? Everyone understands a different standard exists for first round draft picks than a 6th round pick. The heirarchy of sports is talent-based.
Ray Flaherty is in the Hall of Fame. Malik Nabers hasn't even played a down in the NFL, and I'd bet doesn't ever become a Hall of Famer.
The Giants just unretired a Hall of Fame player's number for a rookie who's never done a thing. It's just not a good look.
RE: The problem isn’t Nabers asking for a retired number
The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
They did tell Nabers no and Nabers dropped it and dint ask for it..
Even when they rbought him into Mara's office to tell him, he told them he didnt want to bother the family with it and push it but Mara said the family gave their blessing...
and a big reason the family said yes was because everyone was going to talk about Flaherty again and a whole generation of fans were going to learn about him becaus eof this...
You can spin negatively all you want but Nabers didnt push for it and the family is happy to un retire the number
The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Of course its favoritism. Who ever said everyone is treated the same in sports? Everyone understands a different standard exists for first round draft picks than a 6th round pick. The heirarchy of sports is talent-based.
Ray Flaherty is in the Hall of Fame. Malik Nabers hasn't even played a down in the NFL, and I'd bet doesn't ever become a Hall of Famer.
The Giants just unretired a Hall of Fame player's number for a rookie who's never done a thing. It's just not a good look.
Or its doing exactly what the family wanted, talking about Ray Flaherty again
Many are, but then there are the Larry Fitzgeralds, Andre Johnsons, Calvin Johnsons that are the atypical non - diva wide receivers. Odunze might join that group.
Wearing number 1 is a Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham, Des Bryant type move.
I hope Nabers on the field performance justifies wearing the number 1.
"No one will wear this number again...for a while."
If you consider 90 freakin years “for awhile” sure, great point. It just won’t feel the same knowing that someone else may wear that jersey just retired a century from now….
Jeezus man, get a grip. There is absolutely no way this actually bothers you in the least. But…you have a bit to play, so here we are.
Many are, but then there are the Larry Fitzgeralds, Andre Johnsons, Calvin Johnsons that are the atypical non - diva wide receivers. Odunze might join that group.
Wearing number 1 is a Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham, Des Bryant type move.
I hope Nabers on the field performance justifies wearing the number 1.
I feel like even when performance does justify it, people will hate it anyway. So its a cant win, you either like it or dont.
Nabers has done jack squat. He better live up to this.
This! Dude better produce at a high level for a long time.
Normally I am a very forward thinking person, but this statement rings true. We have seen plenty of hype flame out in embarrassing ways and also unintentional ways to be fair. Didn't the commanders do this with Haskins?
100 year history of this franchise. You can't live by the past for ever. Always respect the past, at the same time, perhaps its time to start building a bold new era of Giants football.
Just found out the Giants unretired 14 for Y.A Title
The number 14 was retired in honor of Ward Cuff in 1946. Y. A. Tittle requested 14 after the Giants traded for him in 1961, and it was retired a second time in 1964 at the conclusion of Tittle's playing career. The number is now retired in honor of both players. Giants Retired numbers Wikipedia - ( New Window )
The number 14 was retired in honor of Ward Cuff in 1946. Y. A. Tittle requested 14 after the Giants traded for him in 1961, and it was retired a second time in 1964 at the conclusion of Tittle's playing career. The number is now retired in honor of both players. Giants Retired numbers Wikipedia - ( New Window )
I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
You don't remove it. It would add an additional symbol to indicate it was unretired.
When Nabers is gone, does the # go back to being retired?
I still think this is stupid. Why retire numbers when you just go ahead and unretire them when convenient? Don't retire numbers in the first place. Just have a Giants HoF and keep it lean.
I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
You don't remove it. It would add an additional symbol to indicate it was unretired.
When Nabers is gone, does the # go back to being retired?
Yes and if Nabers has a HOF type of career he would be added with the Number 1, like the Knicks have done with 15 or Yankees with 8
Nabers has done jack squat. He better live up to this.
To me this means they are already committed to giving him an extension. I mean they really going to unretire a number for 4-5 years to not re-sign the guy?
My grandfather and Ray Flaherty both played for the New York Yankees
Perhaps... just perhaps... Ray Flaherty would mind and his family who have passed.
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
We dont have to manufacture a scenario where they felt obligated to say yes just to make it look bad. We have no idea how they felt about it but they are the deciders and putting feelings in their mouths for them is also disrespectful.
RE: Just found out the Giants unretired 14 for Y.A Title
The number 14 was retired in honor of Ward Cuff in 1946. Y. A. Tittle requested 14 after the Giants traded for him in 1961, and it was retired a second time in 1964 at the conclusion of Tittle's playing career. The number is now retired in honor of both players. Giants Retired numbers Wikipedia - ( New Window )
So there's precedent for it and the family is ok with it. Sounds like a non-issue to me.
Hopefully #1 ends up as the second doubly retired number!
The number 14 was retired in honor of Ward Cuff in 1946. Y. A. Tittle requested 14 after the Giants traded for him in 1961, and it was retired a second time in 1964 at the conclusion of Tittle's playing career. The number is now retired in honor of both players. Giants Retired numbers Wikipedia - ( New Window )
So there's precedent for it and the family is ok with it. Sounds like a non-issue to me.
Hopefully #1 ends up as the second doubly retired number!
I need someone to contextualize how he became a hall of famer. I dont know anything about him and it would be interesting to learn but there is so little information from back then.
RE: We should really be talking more about Flaherty
I need someone to contextualize how he became a hall of famer. I dont know anything about him and it would be interesting to learn but there is so little information from back then.
If you want a general overview, BBI is a wonderful resource...
Quote:
Right End – Ray Flaherty (1929, ‘31-35) Player/Assistant Coach (1935)
HOF Class of 1976
#1 retired 1935
First-Team All-Pro: 1929, ‘32
The Giants first team captain. Led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdown receptions in 1932, the first year statistics were officially recorded. Also tallied the most TD receptions in 1929. Had very good speed and made big plays. An excellent defensive player. Suggested the Giants switch to sneakers during the 1934 NFL Championship Game. Served double-duty as player/coach for two games during the 1933 preseason while Steve Owen tended to his wife with a terminal illness, and was Owen’s first assistant coach when he served as a player/coach for the full 1935 season. Giants team captain 1933-1935. His #1 was the first to be retired in American professional sports.
Always thought that a retired number should last until the player passes away then it should be reintroduce in a cermony. I also like how dallas treats its number 88 for their teams star reciever it builds tradition while also not binding your teams with more and more numbers retired
If I owned a franchise, my rule for retired numbers would be
the number shall remain retired until the last of these:
* 1 year after the player's death
* 1 year after his spouse's death
* 1 year after the death of his last surviving child
The logic behind the 1-year rule is that it reflects sort of a period of mourning. With this, you could balance the need for numbers with the comfort that the player, his spouse, or his children wouldn't have to face the prospect of seeing someone else play with his number.
In that NY Post quote above after the OP: with his "with this honor comes great responsibility to represent this franchise...". Really, any more than any other player because he gets to wear a number from a century ago, cause the owner and the family want publicity for great grandparent and historical figure in the teams 100th season?
How is this situation any different from previous players or next year's picks requesting retired numbers? Is there something special about Nabers, or will T his now become common occurrence?
If the player who is unretiring the number is OK with it...
for someone who hasn't done shit in the NFL yet. Especially for a loser franchise that has been scraping the bottom of the barrel for over a decade. Maybe start winning and then you can have the balls to ask people to unretire their number.
The Giants unretired a number for a player that has not played a down of professional football. Hopefully Nabers lives up to all the hype and has a long and successful career. The Giants should just unretire all the numbers and not retire any going forward. A really poor decision by the Giants imo
on an unrelated note (Flaherty not on that team), Larry has an outstanding article coming out on the 1926 Giants. I never knew how touch and go football in New York was until I read it. Should be out this weekend or early next week.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this is not just some minor/dustbin Giants story. The dude was the 1st person in NFL history to have his number retired. Lo and behold his jersey number was also the #1.
The New York Football Giants drafted a receiver, not a QB with their 1st pick. That has been and will continue to be scrutinized. They have just given that unretired number to their 1st pick. An unproven rookie, With a QB who many do not have faith in (Giants fans or otherwise).. It is and will be a national story.
I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
No, I think it should stay. A notation needs to be made, but the #1 has significance in Giants history. They used to give it to the players who they thought deserved the attention. In 1925 it was worn by Hinkie Haines.
From 1926-1928 it was worn my Jack McBride (who is one of my "he belongs in Canton" guys)
From 1928-1931 it was worn by Benny Friedman, the revolutionary passer who was the second most famous football name after Red Grange.
Ray Flaherty was given the #1 in 1932. Flaherty, aside from being a fantastic end, was also a respected team leader, was named captain and became Steve Owen's first assistant coach.
The #1 was un-retired for two seasons in 1946-1947 for tackle Frank Cope, another of Steve Owen's favorites. Cope was also the team captain.
I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
No, I think it should stay. A notation needs to be made, but the #1 has significance in Giants history. They used to give it to the players who they thought deserved the attention. In 1925 it was worn by Hinkie Haines.
From 1926-1928 it was worn my Jack McBride (who is one of my "he belongs in Canton" guys)
From 1928-1931 it was worn by Benny Friedman, the revolutionary passer who was the second most famous football name after Red Grange.
Ray Flaherty was given the #1 in 1932. Flaherty, aside from being a fantastic end, was also a respected team leader, was named captain and became Steve Owen's first assistant coach.
The #1 was un-retired for two seasons in 1946-1947 for tackle Frank Cope, another of Steve Owen's favorites. Cope was also the team captain.
Now this is incredible context. I wonder why they got away from this practice. It's a great system.
I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
No, I think it should stay. A notation needs to be made, but the #1 has significance in Giants history. They used to give it to the players who they thought deserved the attention. In 1925 it was worn by Hinkie Haines.
From 1926-1928 it was worn my Jack McBride (who is one of my "he belongs in Canton" guys)
From 1928-1931 it was worn by Benny Friedman, the revolutionary passer who was the second most famous football name after Red Grange.
Ray Flaherty was given the #1 in 1932. Flaherty, aside from being a fantastic end, was also a respected team leader, was named captain and became Steve Owen's first assistant coach.
The #1 was un-retired for two seasons in 1946-1947 for tackle Frank Cope, another of Steve Owen's favorites. Cope was also the team captain.
Now this is incredible context. I wonder why they got away from this practice. It's a great system.
The main reason they got away from it was there was no numbering-by-position system until 1952. Any player could wear any number prior to that year.
The AAFC in 1946 was the first league to institute a numbering system - for instance, Otto Graham was a QB who wore the #60. The system the NFL adopted in 1952 was more akin to the modern one we are familiar with today.
By the way, with Nabers wearing #1 and Burns wearing #0
Perhaps... just perhaps... Ray Flaherty would mind and his family who have passed.
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
Eric, I don't think retiring numbers in the NFL to be a good idea in the first place. That said, I find Mara even entertaining unretiring a number disrespectful to the player and all the fans of this team.
This team and this league was built upon the shoulders of players like Ray Flaherty and the fans who watched him play. Mara had a team to inherit because of these players and the fans who watched him play.
In making this choice he has spat on the history of this team, he has spat on the memory of this player and he has spat on the fans of this team.
Most people who are fans of this are fans because of memories and lifetime connection to this team. They are fans because their fathers and grandfathers were fans of this team. He has disrespected that legacy in this decision. He has stated loud and clear that he does not care about the rich history of the team. He does not care about the fans that made his team successful. He only cares about the next buck he can make.
I am disappointed and disgusted by this decision. I am really struggling right now with even supporting this team anymore when the fans care more than the owner. What happens next? When they get some hotshot rookie QB who wants 11, or a pass rusher who wants 56.
When your honors have no meaning anymore, neither does your history. If that history has no meaning, there is no more emotional connection for your fans. When there is no emotional connection, you are simply entertainment. Frankly this team hasn't been entertaining in a long time. So what reason do we have to care anymore?
I know plenty of people who have retired and then later on, got another job and retired from that job, too. If a man can retire twice, so can a number.
Michael Strahan is a retired Giant, but he's still working. He'll retire from that as well (with a whole lot more money).
In 1935 the roster limit was only 24 players. Times change.
I bet 99% of BBIers didn't know who wore #1 a day ago, let alone when he played. If retiring numbers is meant to honor the past I don't think it's working.
I think they should retire a number for 50 years, and then reintroduce it and honor that player again. That way the players of the past are introduced to the current fan base. And a current player can be recognized by getting the number.
Unlike some, I don't blame Nabors for asking. I think we all know he's a brash, arrogant kid who probably hasn't heard "no" a lot in his life. I also don't think the family agreeing carries a lot of weight when they were put under the pressure of being asked. For me, the responsibility lies solely in the organization. Retiring a jersey is a promise that a players legacy will never die and that promise was made by the New York Giants. Retiring Ray Flaherty's number was such a huge honor it was a practice adopted by the NFL at large and is something we still do to this day. If we're going to argue the fear of a number shortage go to three digits. It makes more sense than adding zero which was just stupid.
To anyone saying it's been 90 years and we have to move on, I ask this question: Are you comfortable walking up to one of the Giants living legends and telling them to their face that their legacy only matters as long as there are people alive who saw them play? I can't help but think this is a huge slap in the face to everyone whose numbers have been retired who now know it could just be temporary.
Had the Giants organization given this just a little more thought there are ways they could've improved the optics if they were determined to move forward. The jersey should have some sort of acknowledgment that it's Ray Flaherty's retired number and his family should get all of the player proceeds from jersey sales.
Although in my opinion, there is no consideration that could be given that makes this okay. To me it's a broken promise and an indulgence offered to a player who hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
maybe put a time limit on how long the number is retired?
say 50 years? So the player and their family can be honored, but after 50 years an entire generation of fans have come and gone and not many people remember the player, it can be reissued.
I think another good idea, is the player has to wear a patch honoring the previous owner. I think the NFL would get behind this. Similar to the Walter Payton patch.
Unlike some, I don't blame Nabors for asking. I think we all know he's a brash, arrogant kid who probably hasn't heard "no" a lot in his life. I also don't think the family agreeing carries a lot of weight when they were put under the pressure of being asked. For me, the responsibility lies solely in the organization. Retiring a jersey is a promise that a players legacy will never die and that promise was made by the New York Giants. Retiring Ray Flaherty's number was such a huge honor it was a practice adopted by the NFL at large and is something we still do to this day. If we're going to argue the fear of a number shortage go to three digits. It makes more sense than adding zero which was just stupid.
To anyone saying it's been 90 years and we have to move on, I ask this question: Are you comfortable walking up to one of the Giants living legends and telling them to their face that their legacy only matters as long as there are people alive who saw them play? I can't help but think this is a huge slap in the face to everyone whose numbers have been retired who now know it could just be temporary.
Had the Giants organization given this just a little more thought there are ways they could've improved the optics if they were determined to move forward. The jersey should have some sort of acknowledgment that it's Ray Flaherty's retired number and his family should get all of the player proceeds from jersey sales.
Although in my opinion, there is no consideration that could be given that makes this okay. To me it's a broken promise and an indulgence offered to a player who hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
I agree and also hold no ill will towards Nabers. He has no connection to the team's history. Mara does and is the direct beneficiary of that history.
in triple digits, a lot of teams are going to have to think about unretiring numbers. With 53 roster players and 12 PS, that leaves 35 numbers left. That’s not a lot for teams that have been around for 100 years.
What honors the player, his legacy, and the family more:
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
Maybe the Yankees should let Judge wear #3 or #4 then. How do you think that would go over with the Yankees fans? Should be no different here.
Baseball has fewer number limits, so the embargo period could be longer.
Imagine if at 100 years the Yankees had a policy they could reintroduce #4 in 2039, and they had a huge ceremony honoring Gehrig. And if there was that generation's Jeter or Judge, they presented him with that number and he wore an LG patch for the remainder of his career.
What honors the player, his legacy, and the family more:
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
Maybe the Yankees should let Judge wear #3 or #4 then. How do you think that would go over with the Yankees fans? Should be no different here.
The way the Yankees retire numbers they may have to at some point. There's several I would un-retire before Ruth or Gehrig, of course, but I see no harm in it.
RE: RE: I know... old man here who says get off my lawn
in triple digits, a lot of teams are going to have to think about unretiring numbers. With 53 roster players and 12 PS, that leaves 35 numbers left. That’s not a lot for teams that have been around for 100 years.
If the Flaherty family is OK with it, so am I.
if the family question were a spouse or a players children, I would agree. Sitting here right now I can't tell you my great grandparents names let alone how they would feel about anything. To me that makes a difference.
By your play on the field and how you conduct yourself.
If you have a great first 4 years then you have earned the privilege to wear that jersey. And do so as long as you produce.
So if a player ever plays as well as LT then after 4 years let him wear 56. He has earned it.
This way a number means a high level of play.
Wont be popular here but the cowboys do this with certain numbers, such as Irvin's number. Not retired, used as an honor.
Cee Dee Lamb wore 88 his rookie year
Yeah, but for a reason. Wasnt just a random circulation.
CeeDee wore number 2 for the Sooners. Once drafted by the Cowboys we learned the story about Jerry’s high school buddy, Jerry Lamb. One he played football with who recently passed.
Jerry wanted CeeDee to honor him by wearing his number 88. Originally, Lamb wanted to wear the number 10, but that wasn’t in the cards. At least, not according to Dallas owner Jerry Jones.
I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
Honestly, seems like its getting a little personal with you.
What honors the player, his legacy, and the family more:
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
Maybe the Yankees should let Judge wear #3 or #4 then. How do you think that would go over with the Yankees fans? Should be no different here.
This is why I wanted to discern the reasoning behind retiring #1
#4 was retired by the Yankees to honor Gehrig because of his battle with ALS. It was retiring #3 for Ruth because of his sheer greatness that changed the reasoning behind number retirement going forward.
In 1935 did the Giants hold a ceremony? Or was it simply removed from the rotation, kind of like how the Yankees have handled the "captain" designation, and wasn't really meant to be retired?
RE: I know... old man here who says get off my lawn
#4 was retired by the Yankees to honor Gehrig because of his battle with ALS. It was retiring #3 for Ruth because of his sheer greatness that changed the reasoning behind number retirement going forward.
Which was later revised to include: being a contributing member of a dynasty (20, 21, 46, 51), having one great season (9), Yankee lifer (10), trying to keep a drunk happy so he'll manage you for a 5th time (1), feeling guilty about treating someone like shit (44).
You won't find a bigger Don Mattingly fan than I am, but they could very easily unretire 23 as well. Along with 49, Guidry's resume isn't that of an all-time great.
There's a way to honor each of those players without taking their number out of circulation forever.
Unlike some, I don't blame Nabors for asking. I think we all know he's a brash, arrogant kid who probably hasn't heard "no" a lot in his life. I also don't think the family agreeing carries a lot of weight when they were put under the pressure of being asked. For me, the responsibility lies solely in the organization. Retiring a jersey is a promise that a players legacy will never die and that promise was made by the New York Giants. Retiring Ray Flaherty's number was such a huge honor it was a practice adopted by the NFL at large and is something we still do to this day. If we're going to argue the fear of a number shortage go to three digits. It makes more sense than adding zero which was just stupid.
To anyone saying it's been 90 years and we have to move on, I ask this question: Are you comfortable walking up to one of the Giants living legends and telling them to their face that their legacy only matters as long as there are people alive who saw them play? I can't help but think this is a huge slap in the face to everyone whose numbers have been retired who now know it could just be temporary.
Had the Giants organization given this just a little more thought there are ways they could've improved the optics if they were determined to move forward. The jersey should have some sort of acknowledgment that it's Ray Flaherty's retired number and his family should get all of the player proceeds from jersey sales.
Although in my opinion, there is no consideration that could be given that makes this okay. To me it's a broken promise and an indulgence offered to a player who hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
anecdotally, and not holding my own thoughts in any higher regard than anyone else's...
I've been a huge giants fan for the better part of 41 years, but have never taken a lot of interest in knowing anything about the NFL in the black-and-white-TV days. (I acknowledge I may be different from many in that regard.)
I have heard the name Ray Flaherty a bunch, but had to google this morning to learn anything specific about him.
I can't say this bothers me in the least.
More generally - It will be interesting to see how sports deals with the "well, there are only 100 numbers to work with" issue as more decades pass us by.
One year after the player's death. Team chooses when it goes to another player so it may still be many years before it is worn again. I would always keep Al Blozis number retired.
I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
Honestly, seems like its getting a little personal with you.
lol maybe, I just don't like it when the lunatics are allowed to run the asylum
#4 was retired by the Yankees to honor Gehrig because of his battle with ALS. It was retiring #3 for Ruth because of his sheer greatness that changed the reasoning behind number retirement going forward.
Which was later revised to include: being a contributing member of a dynasty (20, 21, 46, 51), having one great season (9), Yankee lifer (10), trying to keep a drunk happy so he'll manage you for a 5th time (1), feeling guilty about treating someone like shit (44).
You won't find a bigger Don Mattingly fan than I am, but they could very easily unretire 23 as well. Along with 49, Guidry's resume isn't that of an all-time great.
There's a way to honor each of those players without taking their number out of circulation forever.
Well the Yankees have started doing plaques in MP without retiring the players number
Perhaps... just perhaps... Ray Flaherty would mind and his family who have passed.
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
We dont have to manufacture a scenario where they felt obligated to say yes just to make it look bad. We have no idea how they felt about it but they are the deciders and putting feelings in their mouths for them is also disrespectful.
Ryan Dunleavy
@rydunleavy
Exclusive from
@NYPost_Serby
: #Giants are unretiring No. 1 -- the first professional football number ever retired -- to give to Malik Nabers. https://nypost.com/2024/08/28/sports/giants-rookie-malik-nabers-to-wear-long-retired-no-1/
John Mara: "Malik understands that that comes with a certain responsibility and how he needs to conduct himself and represent the organization and the Flaherty family. He’s been great about it, he immediately called them to thank them.” #Giants100
@NYPost_Schwartz
Ray Flaherty was the first professional football player to have his number retired - in 1935. His family green-lighted No. 1 coming out of retirement for Nabers to wear.
Paul Schwartz
@NYPost_Schwartz
·
2m
Ray Flaherty was the first professional football player to have his number retired - in 1935. His family green-lighted No. 1 coming out of retirement for Nabers to wear.
nygiants16 : 8/27/2024 10:09 am : link : reply
My guess 1 or 7
Yeah, I’m an old guy / get off my lawn guy.
https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
I kid. Lighten up.
Did he just want single
Digit and didn’t care about 1?
Now he’s going to have to claim that he understands what a big deal it is that this guy from 1935’s family is allowing him to use the number.
Yeah, I’m an old guy / get off my lawn guy.
If you pick a career in professional athletics, you arr a look at me guy and a money guy.
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but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
Did he just want single
Digit and didn’t care about 1?
Now he’s going to have to claim that he understands what a big deal it is that this guy from 1935’s family is allowing him to use the number.
Either that or he's gonna change his name to Leek Flaherty
I've been all for unretiring all the numbers for a few years now.
I agree with it. Honor the guys, and wait time for your #10 and #92, but the rosters are bigger. Some teams have an outrageous amount of retired numbers. I'm happy NYG did this and should do them all.
Ray Flaherty: No. 1
Ray Flaherty spent most of his playing career with the New York Giants, joining the team in 1929. After leaving in 1930 to coach the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team, Flaherty re-joined the Giants in 1931 and stayed with the team through the 1935 season. He was an outstanding end with the Giants, being named First-Team All-Pro three times. In 1932, Flaherty led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, yards per reception and yards per game. Flaherty helped lead the Giants to a NFL Championship in 1934. When the Giants retired his No. 1 jersey following the 1935 season, it was the first time a professional football team had ever retired a player's jersey number.
ray flaherty - ( New Window )
I think you should keep it, but expand on the Ray Flaherty note at the bottom.
Ray Flaherty.
Well, now if enough time passes...
And in the 100 yr of the franchise it highlights a player TBH most fans know nothing of other then the name and the number. I like it.
Yes, indeed. 1st guy to ever have his number retired. Now unretired. Nabers better live up to this, indeed
In a quick search all I found was #1 was "taken out of circulation" but it didn't stay why
You're ceazy
This kid does seem to have a clue.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
Mara called the family and told them it was completely up to them and they have been thinking about it and ultimately the family decided to let him use 1....They think it is a good think because it will get the name back out there that a lot of fans dont even know about..
Nabers when first told, said to Mara i dont want to keep pushing it, if they sai no, then thats it, but mara told him they said yes and he was very appreciative and even called the family to thank them..
Seems Nabers understands the oreasure that is going to come with doing this
Oh yeah, the gun thing. There are probably 5 year olds in Louisiana right now packing heat.
And in the 100 yr of the franchise it highlights a player TBH most fans know nothing of other then the name and the number. I like it.
Broncos did the same thing for Peyton Manning. They unretired #18 with the family’s blessing.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
Make this team better. Win games.
That's all I care about.
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Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
Exactly, You've hit the nail on the head
Link - ( New Window )
Mara called the family and told them it was completely up to them and they have been thinking about it and ultimately the family decided to let him use 1....They think it is a good think because it will get the name back out there that a lot of fans dont even know about..
Nabers when first told, said to Mara i dont want to keep pushing it, if they sai no, then thats it, but mara told him they said yes and he was very appreciative and even called the family to thank them..
Seems Nabers understands the oreasure that is going to come with doing this
No respek.
What a butthole.
Etc
I agree
Yup. From wiki:
A freezing rain the night before the game froze the Polo Grounds field.[10] After Giants end Ray Flaherty remarked to head coach Steve Owen that sneakers would provide better footing on the frozen playing surface,[11] Owen sent his friend Abe Cohen, a tailor who assisted on the Giants sideline, to Manhattan College to get some sneakers.
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Over retiring a number.. unless that player is the on the level of an LT
I agree
Great, except for the pesky little fact that people play in different eras. Your LT is not someone else's, as Eric stated above. All or none. And I'm not a fan of retiring numbers but once you've gone there ...stick with it or don't
If his family ok'd it, we should all be fine with it.
The #1 jersey usually represents the team’s #1 receiver. It can also mean the team’s #1 cornerback. This is why a ton of players are using #1 like Jamarr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Sauce Gardner, and Jaylon Johnson.
If his family ok'd it, we should all be fine with it.
And 17…
I like Nabers so far and hope that he doesn't bust when the real games begin.
Numbers should be retired for players like Rosey Brown, LT, Eli Manning, Michael Strahan. Guys that play here for 12+ years wearing the same number & win multiple titles. I know Rosey didn't win multiple titles, but the dude was a 9 time All-Pro & 9 time Pro Bowler.
Rosters are getting bigger and bigger. It's going to be impossible to keep all numbers retired.
My thought for a while has been to unretire all numbers and have them on the ring of honor; and not reassign ring of honor numbers as long as that player is alive. I think that respects the intent and something of the tradition of a retired number.
100% agreed
LFG!!!
Number will be re-retired when Nabers is no longer with Giants - ( New Window )
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Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
I agree with this. I think this is pretty cheesy from everyone involved.
I will say, that he wore three numbers in six years seems like a relevant bit of data.
Flaherty seems like the type of player that a team Ring Of Honor was designed to recognize.
7 is Mel Hein, totally different animal. I think 4 was retired because the player was killed in ww2.
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Unretiring one of the many retired numbers is strange though.
I would rather they would retire a number for as long as the player is living, but then make it available again following the players passing.
LT will never die! GRRR!
Not to think too far ahead - but what if Nabers winds up having a HOF-worthy career with the Giants, finishing atop the team record books in multiple receiving categories - with a couple Super Bowl rings and other accolades?
Basically, what if he winds up being the Eli Manning of New York Giants receivers? Who gets to keep the number?
Nabers new number - ( New Window )
Paaaaalease
I agree, they should pick amount of years, a little earlier than 90 in my opinion. Make it a celebration and do it when people who watch that player are old men and let those fans reminace in the greatness, and get those numbers back in cycle.
I was was a little kid watching Taylor play and helped make me a giants fan. It would be cool if I lived to my late 80s and got to see the celebration of his unretired number. The people who are younger than me will get to see Eli and Strahan number go back in.
Now that we are finally doing it, it has to go to a potentially worthy candidate. Nabers was drafted to be the new face of the franchise. If not him then who?
Let's Go Giants, current and past
The family was in favor of it. I recall reading about Flaherty in a historical Giants book I still have, but thats it.
If the family supports it, so should we.
I kid. Lighten up.
lol, I laughed too hard at this. He’s like the Olive Garden of QB’s.
How about #17. Would complete the puzzle.
A generation of Giants fans have a connection to Simms. I don't think there are many people alive that a connection with Flaherty.
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In comment 16590101 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:
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Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
Exactly, You've hit the nail on the head
This isn't that kind of situation. The family "green-lighted" him getting the number. Maybe some families wouldn't want to do that.
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In comment 16590101 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:
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Eh, I don't know. I know who Flaherty is because a buddy of mine went to 'Zaga & he's in their sports Hall of Fame. When I visited him in college, that's how I learned of him.
I doubt most Giant fans know who Flaherty is or even his #. I sure AF didn't know the latter.
It's not that. Usually when a player jersey number is retired, like Simms or LT, there is a ceremony with the owner saying "no Giant will ever wear this number again."
Liar, liar pants on fire.
100 years from now, fans will be saying, "I've never heard of Simms. Big deal."
If you do it for one, you should do it for all.
I agree with this. I think this is pretty cheesy from everyone involved.
Also did you have a problem when the Broncos did it for Peyton Manning?
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Get off my lawn, I guess.
I actually agree…
Can’t wait until the NFL allows ads on uniforms…
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If he had asked for #11, would they give it to him?
A generation of Giants fans have a connection to Simms. I don't think there are many people alive that a connection with Flaherty.
And 50 years from now no one will have a connection to Simms. Does the number stay retired or not?
Look none of this is the end of the world. It's just kind of lame. It's lame of the Giants to unretire the number, and it's lame of Nabers to still want the number even though he knew it was retired. It's just not a good look.
Whatever.
Eric, I don't understand. The family gave their blessing. You think that makes it ok to just unretire everyone's jersey? If the family is fine with it, why would you or I even care?
Also did you have a problem when the Broncos did it for Peyton Manning?
I had no idea they had. If that's true, then yeah it's lame from the Broncos and from Peyton.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Of course its favoritism. Who ever said everyone is treated the same in sports? Everyone understands a different standard exists for first round draft picks than a 6th round pick. The heirarchy of sports is talent-based.
Look none of this is the end of the world. It's just kind of lame. It's lame of the Giants to unretire the number, and it's lame of Nabers to still want the number even though he knew it was retired. It's just not a good look.
Whatever.
It's a fair point, but at least 50 years from now people will have video of Simms winning Super Bowl 21 against the Broncos. We don't have anything for Flaherty.
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Also did you have a problem when the Broncos did it for Peyton Manning?
I had no idea they had. If that's true, then yeah it's lame from the Broncos and from Peyton.
Peyton Manning is a very different scenario. Manning was already a first ballot Hall of Famer and considered one of the best QBs of all time when that occurred. He had already wore #18 while accomplishing all of that.
Malik Nabers hasn’t caught an NFL pass for the NY Giants.
And it was already a story about #18 before Manning signed with Denver. Tripucka wanted him to wear #18 as a result and Manning did not want to wear and even called Tripucka to tell him he didn’t want to wear it.
“When Peyton Manning called up Frank Tripucka in the spring of 2012, he told the Broncos' first franchise quarterback that he didn't want to wear No. 18, the number Manning had worn for 14 seasons in Indianapolis. The number he had as he won four NFL MVPs and one Super Bowl.
Out of respect for the game and its former players, Manning believed Tripucka's retired Denver Broncos No. 18 jersey should remain out of circulation - no matter what Manning had done as a quarterback with that number.
But the original No. 18 insisted - there was a short list of players he'd consider to wear his number and the former Colts quarterback who would now be on his favorite team was at the top.
"I'd be honored. You're my kind of quarterback, and I insist you wear it," recalled Chris Tripucka of his father's response to Manning.
But there was one caveat.
"Peyton, being the guy he is, asked my dad if there was anything he could do to repay him for using the No. 18," said Chris, the youngest of seven Tripucka children who was a wide receiver at Boston College and is now father to two football stars of his own - Shane and Nicholas (also a No. 18).
His father's request for a championship was exactly what you'd expect from an NFL quarterback
"Yeah, go out and win a Super Bowl for me."
So Manning did.”
"It really goes against everything I believe in being a guy who appreciates the history of football and I believe when a number is retired it should stay retired; but in talking to Frank Tripucka, I feel he really wants me to wear his number," Manning said at his introductory press conference. "It was a very humbling conversation and I am honored to wear his number, being another quarterback for the Denver Broncos as Mr. Tripucka was back years ago as the first quarterback to play here. It truly is an honor for me and I'm really following his wishes to wear it because that's what he wants me to do and I'm honored to do that."
It’s a very different situation
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The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Of course its favoritism. Who ever said everyone is treated the same in sports? Everyone understands a different standard exists for first round draft picks than a 6th round pick. The heirarchy of sports is talent-based.
Ray Flaherty is in the Hall of Fame. Malik Nabers hasn't even played a down in the NFL, and I'd bet doesn't ever become a Hall of Famer.
The Giants just unretired a Hall of Fame player's number for a rookie who's never done a thing. It's just not a good look.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
They did tell Nabers no and Nabers dropped it and dint ask for it..
Even when they rbought him into Mara's office to tell him, he told them he didnt want to bother the family with it and push it but Mara said the family gave their blessing...
and a big reason the family said yes was because everyone was going to talk about Flaherty again and a whole generation of fans were going to learn about him becaus eof this...
You can spin negatively all you want but Nabers didnt push for it and the family is happy to un retire the number
I kid. Lighten up.
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In comment 16590206 HardTruth said:
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The problem is John Mara allowing it and calling the family personally about it.
This is once again favoritism. Does anyone really believe that if our say 6th round draft choice asked for #1 that John Mara would have called the family and asked for it?
You have a retired number, well then you have a retired number. It shouldn’t be about who asks for it.
It also means that all along the way no one wanted to tell Nabers no because it’s not like he went up and first asked John Mara for #1. So how did it even get to John Mara that Malik Nabers wanted #1?
Of course its favoritism. Who ever said everyone is treated the same in sports? Everyone understands a different standard exists for first round draft picks than a 6th round pick. The heirarchy of sports is talent-based.
Ray Flaherty is in the Hall of Fame. Malik Nabers hasn't even played a down in the NFL, and I'd bet doesn't ever become a Hall of Famer.
The Giants just unretired a Hall of Fame player's number for a rookie who's never done a thing. It's just not a good look.
Or its doing exactly what the family wanted, talking about Ray Flaherty again
Wearing number 1 is a Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham, Des Bryant type move.
I hope Nabers on the field performance justifies wearing the number 1.
This! Dude better produce at a high level for a long time.
If you consider 90 freakin years “for awhile” sure, great point. It just won’t feel the same knowing that someone else may wear that jersey just retired a century from now….
Jeezus man, get a grip. There is absolutely no way this actually bothers you in the least. But…you have a bit to play, so here we are.
Wearing number 1 is a Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham, Des Bryant type move.
I hope Nabers on the field performance justifies wearing the number 1.
I feel like even when performance does justify it, people will hate it anyway. So its a cant win, you either like it or dont.
Most people don't know Flaherty. Most people don't even know this his #. Most people don't even know this # was retired.
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Nabers has done jack squat. He better live up to this.
This! Dude better produce at a high level for a long time.
Normally I am a very forward thinking person, but this statement rings true. We have seen plenty of hype flame out in embarrassing ways and also unintentional ways to be fair. Didn't the commanders do this with Haskins?
Giants Retired numbers Wikipedia - ( New Window )
Was just coming to post this
I got my 100 seasons patch already now waiting for my elite Nabers Legacy jersey. Hope it gets here before the season 🙏🏻
This isn't exactly the Yankees giving out #4
This isn't exactly the Yankees giving out #4
I dont think people in 1935 could conceive of what football would become. It could have been perfectly justifiable at the time.
They said no at first and then thought about it and called Mara to give pwrmission
When Nabers is gone, does the # go back to being retired?
I still think this is stupid. Why retire numbers when you just go ahead and unretire them when convenient? Don't retire numbers in the first place. Just have a Giants HoF and keep it lean.
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I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
You don't remove it. It would add an additional symbol to indicate it was unretired.
When Nabers is gone, does the # go back to being retired?
Yes and if Nabers has a HOF type of career he would be added with the Number 1, like the Knicks have done with 15 or Yankees with 8
To me this means they are already committed to giving him an extension. I mean they really going to unretire a number for 4-5 years to not re-sign the guy?
✅
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
Love this, excellent
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
I'm all for the Giants just using the Ring of Honor.. wish the Yanks would do the same with Monument Park too
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
We dont have to manufacture a scenario where they felt obligated to say yes just to make it look bad. We have no idea how they felt about it but they are the deciders and putting feelings in their mouths for them is also disrespectful.
So there's precedent for it and the family is ok with it. Sounds like a non-issue to me.
Hopefully #1 ends up as the second doubly retired number!
However, the reality that the team was running out of numbers.
Having 10 numbers retired was just out of control.
1,4,7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 32, 40, 42, 50, 56, 92
There were 13 numbers that are retired, including 1. That’s a lot!
I could understand a player that played their whole career here and had a 10+ year career ( Hein, Simms, Gifford, Taylor, Strahan ).
Should be more numbers available.
For God sales, the NFL let “ 0 “ become a number again!
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The number 14 was retired in honor of Ward Cuff in 1946. Y. A. Tittle requested 14 after the Giants traded for him in 1961, and it was retired a second time in 1964 at the conclusion of Tittle's playing career. The number is now retired in honor of both players. Giants Retired numbers Wikipedia - ( New Window )
So there's precedent for it and the family is ok with it. Sounds like a non-issue to me.
Hopefully #1 ends up as the second doubly retired number!
Well there ya go.
I'd call that precedent.
I hope he plays like 56.
If you want a general overview, BBI is a wonderful resource...
Right End – Ray Flaherty (1929, ‘31-35) Player/Assistant Coach (1935)
HOF Class of 1976
#1 retired 1935
First-Team All-Pro: 1929, ‘32
The Giants first team captain. Led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdown receptions in 1932, the first year statistics were officially recorded. Also tallied the most TD receptions in 1929. Had very good speed and made big plays. An excellent defensive player. Suggested the Giants switch to sneakers during the 1934 NFL Championship Game. Served double-duty as player/coach for two games during the 1933 preseason while Steve Owen tended to his wife with a terminal illness, and was Owen’s first assistant coach when he served as a player/coach for the full 1935 season. Giants team captain 1933-1935. His #1 was the first to be retired in American professional sports.
New York Giants All-Time Team - ( New Window )
If you have a great first 4 years then you have earned the privilege to wear that jersey. And do so as long as you produce.
So if a player ever plays as well as LT then after 4 years let him wear 56. He has earned it.
This way a number means a high level of play.
1929
1930
1933
1934
Y A guy still on this team
If you have a great first 4 years then you have earned the privilege to wear that jersey. And do so as long as you produce.
So if a player ever plays as well as LT then after 4 years let him wear 56. He has earned it.
This way a number means a high level of play.
Wont be popular here but the cowboys do this with certain numbers, such as Irvin's number. Not retired, used as an honor.
1929
1930
1933
1934
Outstanding, thanks
* 1 year after the player's death
* 1 year after his spouse's death
* 1 year after the death of his last surviving child
The logic behind the 1-year rule is that it reflects sort of a period of mourning. With this, you could balance the need for numbers with the comfort that the player, his spouse, or his children wouldn't have to face the prospect of seeing someone else play with his number.
How is this situation any different from previous players or next year's picks requesting retired numbers? Is there something special about Nabers, or will T his now become common occurrence?
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Larry's articles:
1929
1930
1933
1934
Outstanding, thanks
I just realized I should not have included 1930. Strike that. He wasn't on that team. He came back to the Giants after 1930.
The New York Football Giants drafted a receiver, not a QB with their 1st pick. That has been and will continue to be scrutinized. They have just given that unretired number to their 1st pick. An unproven rookie, With a QB who many do not have faith in (Giants fans or otherwise).. It is and will be a national story.
No, I think it should stay. A notation needs to be made, but the #1 has significance in Giants history. They used to give it to the players who they thought deserved the attention. In 1925 it was worn by Hinkie Haines.
From 1926-1928 it was worn my Jack McBride (who is one of my "he belongs in Canton" guys)
From 1928-1931 it was worn by Benny Friedman, the revolutionary passer who was the second most famous football name after Red Grange.
Ray Flaherty was given the #1 in 1932. Flaherty, aside from being a fantastic end, was also a respected team leader, was named captain and became Steve Owen's first assistant coach.
The #1 was un-retired for two seasons in 1946-1947 for tackle Frank Cope, another of Steve Owen's favorites. Cope was also the team captain.
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I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
No, I think it should stay. A notation needs to be made, but the #1 has significance in Giants history. They used to give it to the players who they thought deserved the attention. In 1925 it was worn by Hinkie Haines.
From 1926-1928 it was worn my Jack McBride (who is one of my "he belongs in Canton" guys)
From 1928-1931 it was worn by Benny Friedman, the revolutionary passer who was the second most famous football name after Red Grange.
Ray Flaherty was given the #1 in 1932. Flaherty, aside from being a fantastic end, was also a respected team leader, was named captain and became Steve Owen's first assistant coach.
The #1 was un-retired for two seasons in 1946-1947 for tackle Frank Cope, another of Steve Owen's favorites. Cope was also the team captain.
Now this is incredible context. I wonder why they got away from this practice. It's a great system.
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In comment 16590061 Eric from BBI said:
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I guess I need to remove it from this, right? https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-retired-jersey-numbers/ - ( New Window )
No, I think it should stay. A notation needs to be made, but the #1 has significance in Giants history. They used to give it to the players who they thought deserved the attention. In 1925 it was worn by Hinkie Haines.
From 1926-1928 it was worn my Jack McBride (who is one of my "he belongs in Canton" guys)
From 1928-1931 it was worn by Benny Friedman, the revolutionary passer who was the second most famous football name after Red Grange.
Ray Flaherty was given the #1 in 1932. Flaherty, aside from being a fantastic end, was also a respected team leader, was named captain and became Steve Owen's first assistant coach.
The #1 was un-retired for two seasons in 1946-1947 for tackle Frank Cope, another of Steve Owen's favorites. Cope was also the team captain.
Now this is incredible context. I wonder why they got away from this practice. It's a great system.
The main reason they got away from it was there was no numbering-by-position system until 1952. Any player could wear any number prior to that year.
The AAFC in 1946 was the first league to institute a numbering system - for instance, Otto Graham was a QB who wore the #60. The system the NFL adopted in 1952 was more akin to the modern one we are familiar with today.
The last Giants to do so were Willis Smith wearing #0 and Flaherty the #1 in 1934.
Smith was the last Giant to wear #0 until Parris Campbell last year.
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
Eric, I don't think retiring numbers in the NFL to be a good idea in the first place. That said, I find Mara even entertaining unretiring a number disrespectful to the player and all the fans of this team.
This team and this league was built upon the shoulders of players like Ray Flaherty and the fans who watched him play. Mara had a team to inherit because of these players and the fans who watched him play.
In making this choice he has spat on the history of this team, he has spat on the memory of this player and he has spat on the fans of this team.
Most people who are fans of this are fans because of memories and lifetime connection to this team. They are fans because their fathers and grandfathers were fans of this team. He has disrespected that legacy in this decision. He has stated loud and clear that he does not care about the rich history of the team. He does not care about the fans that made his team successful. He only cares about the next buck he can make.
I am disappointed and disgusted by this decision. I am really struggling right now with even supporting this team anymore when the fans care more than the owner. What happens next? When they get some hotshot rookie QB who wants 11, or a pass rusher who wants 56.
When your honors have no meaning anymore, neither does your history. If that history has no meaning, there is no more emotional connection for your fans. When there is no emotional connection, you are simply entertainment. Frankly this team hasn't been entertaining in a long time. So what reason do we have to care anymore?
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By your play on the field and how you conduct yourself.
If you have a great first 4 years then you have earned the privilege to wear that jersey. And do so as long as you produce.
So if a player ever plays as well as LT then after 4 years let him wear 56. He has earned it.
This way a number means a high level of play.
Wont be popular here but the cowboys do this with certain numbers, such as Irvin's number. Not retired, used as an honor.
Cee Dee Lamb wore 88 his rookie year
Michael Strahan is a retired Giant, but he's still working. He'll retire from that as well (with a whole lot more money).
In 1935 the roster limit was only 24 players. Times change.
I think they should retire a number for 50 years, and then reintroduce it and honor that player again. That way the players of the past are introduced to the current fan base. And a current player can be recognized by getting the number.
To anyone saying it's been 90 years and we have to move on, I ask this question: Are you comfortable walking up to one of the Giants living legends and telling them to their face that their legacy only matters as long as there are people alive who saw them play? I can't help but think this is a huge slap in the face to everyone whose numbers have been retired who now know it could just be temporary.
Had the Giants organization given this just a little more thought there are ways they could've improved the optics if they were determined to move forward. The jersey should have some sort of acknowledgment that it's Ray Flaherty's retired number and his family should get all of the player proceeds from jersey sales.
Although in my opinion, there is no consideration that could be given that makes this okay. To me it's a broken promise and an indulgence offered to a player who hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
I think another good idea, is the player has to wear a patch honoring the previous owner. I think the NFL would get behind this. Similar to the Walter Payton patch.
To anyone saying it's been 90 years and we have to move on, I ask this question: Are you comfortable walking up to one of the Giants living legends and telling them to their face that their legacy only matters as long as there are people alive who saw them play? I can't help but think this is a huge slap in the face to everyone whose numbers have been retired who now know it could just be temporary.
Had the Giants organization given this just a little more thought there are ways they could've improved the optics if they were determined to move forward. The jersey should have some sort of acknowledgment that it's Ray Flaherty's retired number and his family should get all of the player proceeds from jersey sales.
Although in my opinion, there is no consideration that could be given that makes this okay. To me it's a broken promise and an indulgence offered to a player who hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
If the Flaherty family is OK with it, so am I.
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
Maybe the Yankees should let Judge wear #3 or #4 then. How do you think that would go over with the Yankees fans? Should be no different here.
Baseball has fewer number limits, so the embargo period could be longer.
Imagine if at 100 years the Yankees had a policy they could reintroduce #4 in 2039, and they had a huge ceremony honoring Gehrig. And if there was that generation's Jeter or Judge, they presented him with that number and he wore an LG patch for the remainder of his career.
That would be absolutely awesome.
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What honors the player, his legacy, and the family more:
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
Maybe the Yankees should let Judge wear #3 or #4 then. How do you think that would go over with the Yankees fans? Should be no different here.
The way the Yankees retire numbers they may have to at some point. There's several I would un-retire before Ruth or Gehrig, of course, but I see no harm in it.
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but not crazy about unretiring numbers unless you do them all.
Awesome, the first thing I thought of.
If the Flaherty family is OK with it, so am I.
if the family question were a spouse or a players children, I would agree. Sitting here right now I can't tell you my great grandparents names let alone how they would feel about anything. To me that makes a difference.
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In comment 16590316 kelly said:
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By your play on the field and how you conduct yourself.
If you have a great first 4 years then you have earned the privilege to wear that jersey. And do so as long as you produce.
So if a player ever plays as well as LT then after 4 years let him wear 56. He has earned it.
This way a number means a high level of play.
Wont be popular here but the cowboys do this with certain numbers, such as Irvin's number. Not retired, used as an honor.
Cee Dee Lamb wore 88 his rookie year
Yeah, but for a reason. Wasnt just a random circulation.
CeeDee wore number 2 for the Sooners. Once drafted by the Cowboys we learned the story about Jerry’s high school buddy, Jerry Lamb. One he played football with who recently passed.
Jerry wanted CeeDee to honor him by wearing his number 88. Originally, Lamb wanted to wear the number 10, but that wasn’t in the cards. At least, not according to Dallas owner Jerry Jones.
I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
Honestly, seems like its getting a little personal with you.
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What honors the player, his legacy, and the family more:
1) Moth balling the number and virtually no one ever thinking about that player again
2) Taking the number out of rotation out of respect for the player, and then reintroducing the number and the player to a future generation
Maybe the Yankees should let Judge wear #3 or #4 then. How do you think that would go over with the Yankees fans? Should be no different here.
This is why I wanted to discern the reasoning behind retiring #1
#4 was retired by the Yankees to honor Gehrig because of his battle with ALS. It was retiring #3 for Ruth because of his sheer greatness that changed the reasoning behind number retirement going forward.
In 1935 did the Giants hold a ceremony? Or was it simply removed from the rotation, kind of like how the Yankees have handled the "captain" designation, and wasn't really meant to be retired?
Agree. It's ridiculous
#4 was retired by the Yankees to honor Gehrig because of his battle with ALS. It was retiring #3 for Ruth because of his sheer greatness that changed the reasoning behind number retirement going forward.
Which was later revised to include: being a contributing member of a dynasty (20, 21, 46, 51), having one great season (9), Yankee lifer (10), trying to keep a drunk happy so he'll manage you for a 5th time (1), feeling guilty about treating someone like shit (44).
You won't find a bigger Don Mattingly fan than I am, but they could very easily unretire 23 as well. Along with 49, Guidry's resume isn't that of an all-time great.
There's a way to honor each of those players without taking their number out of circulation forever.
To anyone saying it's been 90 years and we have to move on, I ask this question: Are you comfortable walking up to one of the Giants living legends and telling them to their face that their legacy only matters as long as there are people alive who saw them play? I can't help but think this is a huge slap in the face to everyone whose numbers have been retired who now know it could just be temporary.
Had the Giants organization given this just a little more thought there are ways they could've improved the optics if they were determined to move forward. The jersey should have some sort of acknowledgment that it's Ray Flaherty's retired number and his family should get all of the player proceeds from jersey sales.
Although in my opinion, there is no consideration that could be given that makes this okay. To me it's a broken promise and an indulgence offered to a player who hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
I like this.......
I've been a huge giants fan for the better part of 41 years, but have never taken a lot of interest in knowing anything about the NFL in the black-and-white-TV days. (I acknowledge I may be different from many in that regard.)
I have heard the name Ray Flaherty a bunch, but had to google this morning to learn anything specific about him.
I can't say this bothers me in the least.
More generally - It will be interesting to see how sports deals with the "well, there are only 100 numbers to work with" issue as more decades pass us by.
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I don't like that no one is saying no to this kid. Maybe John Mara should gave him his parking spot too. I'd hate to see him stub a toe on the way into the stadium.
Honestly, seems like its getting a little personal with you.
lol maybe, I just don't like it when the lunatics are allowed to run the asylum
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#4 was retired by the Yankees to honor Gehrig because of his battle with ALS. It was retiring #3 for Ruth because of his sheer greatness that changed the reasoning behind number retirement going forward.
Which was later revised to include: being a contributing member of a dynasty (20, 21, 46, 51), having one great season (9), Yankee lifer (10), trying to keep a drunk happy so he'll manage you for a 5th time (1), feeling guilty about treating someone like shit (44).
You won't find a bigger Don Mattingly fan than I am, but they could very easily unretire 23 as well. Along with 49, Guidry's resume isn't that of an all-time great.
There's a way to honor each of those players without taking their number out of circulation forever.
Well the Yankees have started doing plaques in MP without retiring the players number
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Perhaps... just perhaps... Ray Flaherty would mind and his family who have passed.
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
We dont have to manufacture a scenario where they felt obligated to say yes just to make it look bad. We have no idea how they felt about it but they are the deciders and putting feelings in their mouths for them is also disrespectful.
I agree. Why can't something be just as it seems?
Also, if the owner of the franchise calls your grand children, what do you expect their response to be?
When you erode what was supposed to be an eternal honor, doesn't the honor lose its meaning?
If you do this, do it with everyone and just use the Ring of Honor.
Anything else is half-assing it and disrespectful.
So the living family is ok with it, but the dead may be offended? Did you just say that?