New Digits: Tyler Nubin Explains Number Change

The New York Giants will look significantly different in 2025. Safety Jevon Holland and corner Paulson Adebo will revamp the secondary. There’s heightened competence under center, refurbished depth, and a high-profile rookie on the way.

There will be some aesthetic changes, too. Among them is safety Tyler Nubin, who will be sporting a new number in 2025.

Nubin wore No.31 as a rookie, but will be switching to No. 27 when he dons the practice field for the first time as a veteran.

On Monday, the Giants' second-year safety revealed the reason for his number change.

“So, 27 actually started originally with my uncle, Uncle Steve. He actually played cornerback at the University of Michigan opposite Charles Woodson in college back in '94. He passed away 10, 12 years ago. That's really important to me.

“He actually and my dad and his other brother, they also wore 27 in college too, and they didn't even plan it. They all went to three different colleges and all ended up picking 27. It's kind of like a family number. It's an honor to be able to bring it to the NFL for the first time.”

Nubin wore No. 27 at Minnesota, where he blossomed into a Big Ten superstar. He has the school record for interceptions (13) and was expected to blend his coverage skills and instincts into ball production at the next level.

As a rookie, he was adequate for the Giants, but his ball production, like the rest of the secondary, disappeared. He failed to record an interception, logging just a forced fumble and a recovery. That lends itself to optimism as he grows more comfortable in his role. If he sustains his level of play and adds those game-changing plays that left him in 2024, New York’s secondary could be among the league’s best.

Nubin will hope he can make good on the opportunities he’s created with No. 27 on his back.

“Last year was the first time I ever wore anything other than 27 my whole football career. It's definitely something that means a lot to me, for sure.”