Abdul Carter Learns a Lesson in Legacy as Giants Number Request Sparks Controversy
Just days after hearing his name called as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, linebacker Abdul Carter found himself not in a playbook—but in controversy. The newly drafted face of the New York Giants defense sparked headlines across the league not for his first practice or press conference, but for a request that touched a nerve in the heart of Giants history: jersey numbers.
Carter, a standout at Penn State with all the tools to become a future NFL star, reportedly asked to wear either No. 56 or No. 11—two numbers with deep, untouchable roots in Giants lore. That request, although innocent in nature, was met with immediate pushback.
No. 56 is sacred in New York. It belongs to none other than Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, widely regarded as one of the most dominant and disruptive forces in the history of football. The number is retired by the organization and universally respected by the fanbase. When Taylor got wind of Carter’s interest in wearing his number, the response was as blunt and unforgiving as his hits on the field.
“Get another number,” Taylor reportedly said. “I don’t care if it’s double zero—make it famous.”
Taylor’s statement was more than just about a number—it was a reminder that some legacies are too legendary to be replicated or borrowed. In a franchise with a storied past, Carter’s request may have come from a place of admiration, but it collided with the reverence that the Giants—and their fans—hold for their all-time greats.
The second number Carter had in mind was No. 11, worn by Phil Simms, the Giants’ Super Bowl XXI MVP and long-time quarterback. While Simms himself expressed that he wouldn’t object to Carter wearing his number, the decision ultimately rested with his family. They made it known in no uncertain terms that they preferred to see No. 11 remain off the field permanently. Out of respect for the Simms family’s wishes, the Giants organization informed Carter that the number was not an option.
What followed was a quick but valuable lesson for the young linebacker. Despite being a top-three pick and expected to become a centerpiece of the Giants’ defensive future, Carter found out early that in New York, tradition and legacy are not to be taken lightly. The numbers 56 and 11 are more than fabric—they’re symbols of greatness, of unforgettable moments and icons who helped define an era.
To his credit, Carter reportedly accepted the decision with professionalism and understanding. He will now choose a new number—one that he hopes to make synonymous with his own impact in the NFL. And while this early hiccup may have stirred headlines, it’s done little to dampen the excitement around his potential.
For Carter, this moment may be the first page of his own legacy. In a city that never forgets its heroes, he has a chance to carve out his place—starting with a new number, and the drive to make it historic.
In New York, legends aren’t born—they’re made. And Abdul Carter’s journey is just getting started.
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