EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A week after taking the No. 1 jersey out of retirement for sensational rookie receiver Malik Nabers, the New York Giants did it again on Wednesday.
They handed out the No. 1 to Olympic track star and life-long Giants fan Rai Benjamin. The Mount Vernon, New York, native won gold in the 400-meter hurdles and then came back 12 hours later and anchored the United States 4×400 relay team to another gold at the Paris Olympics.
Benjamin had a lot of fun being around the Giants, who are preparing for their season opener on Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I said just give me a one-day contract,” said Benjamin, who was given the jersey by general manager Joe Schoen.
Nabers had to get the permission of the family of Hall of Famer Ray Flaherty — he was a receiver — to wear the number this season.
When the Giants retired No. 1 in 1935, it was the first number retired in professional football.
As he was talking to the media, Schoen came out of the team headquarters and saw the 27-year-old wearing his new jersey and talking with the media. He called over to the Southern California star and asked whether he wanted a helmet and cleats, too.
“Don’t tease me,” a laughing Benjamin replied, who quipped he earlier offered a trainer $20 to give him a pair of cleats.
Turning serious, Benjamin said he could not do what NFL players do. While he played receiver and safety in high school, he said he would never go over the middle to catch a pass.
“These guys train their entire lives for this and I run in a circle,” said Benjamin, who also won a silver medal in the 400 hurdles in the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Benjamin said several players offered to race him and he laughed when told former Southern California track teammate Adoree' Jackson probably still believes he can run faster.
“I don’t think he thinks so, but knowing Adoree, he probably does,” Benjamin said. “And he’s probably like, ‘Let’s lace them up right now and see what happens.'”
After practice, Jackson admitted he could not beat Benjamin in his specialties.
“I can beat him in the long jump, no problem,” Jackson said, noting he jumped 25 feet, 11 inches in college.
Benjamin was asked about his favorite Giant. He topped his list with Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP who twice outdueled the New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady in the title game.
“Tom Brady, much respect, but you’ll never be my GOAT in the Super Bowl,” said Benjamin, who showed off one of his gold medals after the interview.
The track star quickly added Plaxico Burress, who had the game-winning catch in the Super Bowl after the 2007 season, to his favorite Giants’ list along with running back Brandon Jacobs, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and receivers Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr.
Benjamin said what he respected about his fellow athletes was their commitment and the sacrifices they make.
“I know what it’s like to be in that position,” he said. “And I know the pressure that’s bestowed upon you and the expectation, and I know having to perform with all that being said, it’s really hard.”
Copyright The Associated Press 2024
