Giants unretire historic number one Jersey for rookie WR Malik Neighbors in a move that honors both past in future the New York Giants have unretired the iconic number one Jersey allowing rookie wide receiver Malik neighbors to wear it this season the team made the announcement on Wednesday confirming that the decision was made with the blessing of the late Ray flarity family gray flarity a legendary figure in the history of the Giants was the original wearer of the number one Jersey his number was the first to be retired in professional football a testament to his impact on the game flarity who played as an end for the Giants starting in 1929 left an indelible mark on the franchise before moving on to a successful coaching career he is credited with introducing Innovations like the behind the-line screen pass and the two platoon substitution system which have become Staples in the game today his contributions were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976. mallik Neighbors the Giants first- round draft pick and a standout receiver from LSU Express deep gratitude for the opportunity to wear fl's number thank you to the flarity family for allowing me to wear number one for the New York Giants neighbors said in a statement I understand the responsibility and I will do everything in my power to honor the flarity family and this organization I will wear the number with great pride can't wait for the season to start neighbors had previously worn number eight during his time at LSU but with that number already taken by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones he had to find a new one initially he daed number nine during the spring and summer training sessions but that was always a temporary solution since veteran kicker Graham goano holds that number the decision to unretire number one not only gives neighbors a singled digigit number that he was seeking but also ties him to the rich history of the Giants franchise the UN retiring of Ray Flare's number one is a significant moment for the Giants it's a rare and symbolic gesture that connects the storied past of the franchise with its promising future neighbors known for his explosive play and potential now carries the weight of that history on his shoulders the rookie is aware of the Legacy he is stepping into and is committed to upholding the honor that comes with wearing such a historic number. the Giants prepare for the upcoming season all eyes will be on Malik neighbors as he steps onto the field wearing number one his journey is just beginning but with the backing of the Giants organization and the flarity family neighbors is p to make history of his own in the iconic blue and white fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the rookie will rise to the challenge carrying forward the legacy of Ray flarity while forging his own path in the NFL [Music]