Abdul Carter’s requests for No. 56 and No. 11 may have been denied, but the story isn’t about rejection—it’s about ambition, respect, and legacy
Carter showed maturity in how he approached two of the greatest figures in Giants history, and in doing so, he laid the foundation for his own legacy.
Now, with a new number and a clean slate, Abdul Carter has the chance to write his own story in New York.
And if he takes Lawrence Taylor’s advice to heart, perhaps one day a rookie will be asking him for permission to wear his retired number.
Abdul Carter’s decision to wear No. 51 is more than just a logistical move; it’s a statement. He honors the past without encroaching upon it and creates room for a future only he can define.
In doing so, Carter has shown maturity, media savvy, and an understanding of what it means to represent one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
If his on-field performance matches his early off-field decisions, the Giants may have a superstar on their hands—not just in talent, but in legacy-building.
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Abdul Carter Embraces No. 51 with the New York Giants
When Abdul Carter was selected third overall in last month’s NFL Draft by the New York Giants, excitement rippled through the fanbase.1
A dominant edge rusher with a blend of speed, power, and tenacity, Carter is expected to be a transformative figure for the Giants’ defense. But his first major decision in blue wasn’t about a sack or a scheme—it was about a number.
Like many young NFL stars, Carter arrived with dreams that extended beyond the gridiron. As a lifelong admirer of Giants legends, he aimed to pay homage through his jersey choice. His initial request: the iconic No. 56, once worn by Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
That request was swiftly declined. The number has been retired by the Giants in honor of Taylor, widely considered the greatest defensive player in NFL history.
Next, Carter made a bold ask for No. 11—another retired number, once worn by Super Bowl-winning quarterback Phil Simms. Unsurprisingly, the Giants held firm once again. These jerseys symbolize legacies that transcend generations, and the organization was not prepared to reassign them.
My 5
Steph
MJ
Kawhi
AD
SHAQ
VS @JaxsonDart
Magic
Kobe
Bron
KD
Jokic
Who wins???— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) May 10, 2025
The Unlikely Inspiration of Kyle Brandt
While Carter appeared to be at a crossroads with his jersey decision, inspiration came from an unexpected source: Kyle Brandt, co-host of the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.
In a Monday segment, Brandt presented a creative solution. He suggested Carter wear No. 51, a number currently available on the Giants’ roster.
“Fifty-one is half of Lawrence Taylor’s 56, and half of Phil Simms’ 11,” Brandt argued on air. “It’s symbolic. It’s a classic linebacker number. Old-school Giants fans will appreciate it, and Carter can make it his own.”
Displaying a small board with the number 51 written in bold, Brandt delivered his case with conviction and even a touch of showmanship. Though seemingly playful at the time, the suggestion gained unexpected traction.
Abdul Carter Accepts 51
From Television to Tradition
Just days after Brandt’s segment aired, the New York Giants confirmed that Abdul Carter would indeed be donning No. 51 for rookie minicamp.2
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Carter is expected to keep the number long-term. While it’s not unusual for rookies to switch numbers later in training camp, all signs suggest Carter has found his fit.
Brandt was quick to celebrate his unlikely influence on the decision. He reposted his original clip on X (formerly Twitter), declaring:
“MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Abdul Carter will wear No.51 for the Giants.”
This whimsical interaction between media and player reveals the increasingly porous boundaries between fan culture, sports broadcasting, and on-field decision-making.
The Legacy of the Number 51 in New York
While 51 isn’t retired in Giants history, it’s not without significance.
Most notably, it was worn by Carlos Emmons, a solid linebacker during the early 2000s, and Keenan Robinson, a contributor during the latter part of the 2010s. Yet, it’s never belonged to a true superstar.
That may be about to change.
Abdul Carter, with his elite pedigree and physical tools, could give new meaning to the number.
In doing so, he has the opportunity to establish a legacy uniquely his own—one not tethered to the impossible standard of previous legends, but still honoring them symbolically.
The Symbolism Behind the Choice
Numbers in sports aren’t just identifiers; they are powerful symbols. For Carter, wearing 51 serves a dual purpose.
It pays homage to the greatness of those who came before while offering a blank slate to forge his own chapter.
There’s something poetic about choosing a number that’s mathematically tied to two of the franchise’s most iconic figures. It’s respectful without being presumptuous. It says, “I know where I stand—but I know where I want to go.”
This thoughtful symbolism has already resonated with Giants fans, many of whom see the decision as a sign of Carter’s maturity and humility.
Abdul Carter’s Rookie Outlook
Ready to Make Noise
Though still early in his pro journey, Carter’s arrival comes with heavy expectations.3
The Giants have long been in search of a dominant pass rusher, and Carter’s college résumé suggests he can be that and more.
His burst off the edge, relentless motor, and football IQ make him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s aggressive system.
Wearing No. 51, Carter will try to bring back memories of the days when Giants defenses intimidated opponents and dictated games. If he succeeds, No. 51 could go from an overlooked option to a fan favorite.
Jaxson Dart Joins the Number Shuffle
Carter isn’t the only notable rookie adjusting to the number game. Fellow first-round pick Jaxson Dart, a quarterback from Ole Miss, will be wearing No. 6 in New York.
Dart wore No. 2 during his college career, but that number was already taken by Deonte Banks, who previously wore No. 3 before surrendering it to newly-signed quarterback.
The change marks an early test of adaptability for Dart, who enters a crowded quarterback room but is viewed by many as a long-term option.
NFL Culture and the Significance of Numbers
In the NFL, jersey numbers are more than just wardrobe choices. They reflect identity, team culture, and often, status. Veterans often wield the leverage to retain or acquire coveted digits.
In some cases, numbers are bought and traded between teammates. In others, traditions and retirements block access altogether.
For rookies like Carter, the process can be equal parts strategic and sentimental. Choosing a number may seem trivial to outsiders, but it can serve as a powerful statement of intent.
Fans React: Mixed Emotions, Mostly Positive
- While some fans initially hoped to see Carter make a bigger statement with a flashier number, the reaction to his No. 51 choice has been largely positive.
- On Reddit and X, many praised his deference to Giants legends and his decision to start his own tradition.
- “Respectful and badass,” one fan wrote. “This kid gets it.”
- Another commented: “Fifty-one is going to mean something again in New York.”
- Time will tell whether Carter’s No. 51 becomes a staple of Giants lore, but the path is open. Few players have had the combination of talent, poise, and personality Carter seems to possess at this stage.
- If he delivers on expectations, the number could one day hang in the same rafters as Simms and Taylor.
- Until then, fans will be watching—and likely buying Carter’s No. 51 jersey in droves.
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Abdul Carter’s Jersey Journey
A Rookie’s Bold Ask Denied by Giants Legends
Abdul Carter, a promising young linebacker from Penn State, recently made headlines—not for his play on the field, but for his jersey number requests upon joining the New York Giants.
Known for his physical style and elite athleticism, Carter hoped to pay homage to two of the franchise’s legends by wearing their iconic numbers.
However, both of his bold requests were denied, reinforcing the sacred nature of legacy in the NFL.
In professional football, a jersey number is more than just a digit; it’s a symbol of identity, pride, and sometimes even legacy.
Legends such as Tom Brady (No. 12), Jerry Rice (No. 80), and Ray Lewis (No. 52) have made their numbers synonymous with greatness.
When a player’s number is retired, it means that number is held in reverence and will not be worn again—at least, not without special permission. Abdul Carter was hoping to be one of those rare exceptions.
A Nod to Greatness: The Request for No. 56
Carter’s first request was to wear the iconic No. 56—immortalized by Lawrence Taylor, arguably the greatest linebacker in NFL history.
Taylor’s career with the Giants revolutionized the linebacker position. With his unmatched combination of speed, power, and ferocity, Taylor earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, two Super Bowl championships, and the 1986 NFL MVP.
When Carter reached out to Taylor with his request, it showed both ambition and admiration. However, Taylor was firm in his response: the number was off-limits.
Taylor didn’t mince words. “He has to be the player that he is. He can’t be another Lawrence Taylor,” he said, acknowledging that while Carter has talent, he must carve out his own path.
Taylor’s reply wasn’t dismissive—it was a challenge. By suggesting Carter should pick another number and make it legendary, Taylor offered a blueprint for success: don’t live in someone else’s shadow; build your own legend.
Abdul Carter’s Second Shot
A Plea for No. 11
Undeterred, Carter made another bold request—to wear No. 11, the jersey famously worn by Giants quarterback Phil Simms.
Simms, who led the team to a Super Bowl XXI victory and earned MVP honors in that game, spent his entire career with the franchise.
Though not as universally iconic as Taylor’s No. 56, Simms’ No. 11 holds immense sentimental value in Giants history.
Carter had worn No. 11 throughout his college career at Penn State, and the number had become part of his football identity. Hoping for continuity and meaning, Carter reached out to Simms.
Almost Approved: Simms Was Open, But Family Said No
Unlike Taylor, Simms was reportedly open to the idea of Carter wearing his retired number. In fact, reports suggest that the Super Bowl-winning quarterback was leaning toward granting the request. However, the final say came from his family, who decided against it.
The reasons remain private, but it’s likely the decision was rooted in preserving Simms’ legacy and the emotional attachment to the number.
The Giants never officially retired No. 11, but out of respect for Simms’ contributions, the team has quietly kept it off-limits for decades. Carter’s request could have broken that tradition, but it ultimately didn’t come to fruition.
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Carter’s Character: Ambition Without Arrogance
What stands out in both of these cases is Carter’s respectful approach. Rather than taking the numbers by force or making brash public statements, he directly contacted the legends involved.
This wasn’t a rookie trying to make noise—it was a young player showing deference to greatness, while expressing a desire to make a name for himself.
In both instances, Carter’s actions have earned him respect. Even though he didn’t get what he wanted, he demonstrated humility and ambition—qualities that bode well for his NFL future.
Making His Own Mark: What’s Next for Carter?
Now faced with the need to choose a new number, Abdul Carter has an opportunity. As Taylor suggested, he can now select a number with no historical baggage and make it meaningful through his play.
Many players have taken obscure or random numbers and made them iconic through sheer excellence—Michael Strahan wore No. 92, a number without any notable history before him.
The key will be performance. If Carter lives up to his potential, his new number—whatever it may be—could be the next one hanging in the Giants’ ring of honor.
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