Abdul Carter hasn’t played a single down for the New York Giants, but the rookie is already making headlines for his jersey number.
The team’s top draft pick turned heads when he boldly requested Lawrence Taylor’s legendary No. 56, a request that was swiftly denied by the organization.
After striking out on not one but two retired numbers, Carter settled on wearing No. 51 as he took the field for rookie minicamp Friday.
The number choice still carries subtle connections to Giants history, though not nearly as iconic as his original preferences.
“After being declined to wear the numbers of New York legends Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor, Giants rookie DE Abdul Carter will wear number 51 next season. Carter will make his own history,” reporter Dov Kleiman shared on social media.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: After being declined to wear the numbers of New York legends Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor, Giants rookie DE Abdul Carter will wear number 51 next season.
Carter will make his own history 👀 pic.twitter.com/1NtUQdK7F2
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 9, 2025
Carter admitted his new digits weren’t his first choice but showed a positive attitude about the situation.
“It’s going to have to grow on me,” he said with a smile.
Abdul Carter says he is “pretty much set” on wearing number 51 with the Giants
“It’s going to have to grow on me a little bit…it’s pretty much what we had available, it’s a good number” pic.twitter.com/apxuifnLcx
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 9, 2025
The journey to No. 51 wasn’t straightforward for the Penn State product. At college, Carter wore No. 11, but that number belongs to New York Giants great Phil Simms.
Simms revealed in a FanDuel interview that he initially considered letting Carter use his retired number.
After family discussions, however, the Simms clan decided against sharing the iconic digits.
This sent Carter back to square one in his number hunt, with the mystery finally resolved just before minicamp began.
Jersey numbers in the NFL carry significant weight. They represent tradition, excellence, and expectations.
Carter’s attempts to claim two retired numbers before playing a single snap shows either remarkable confidence or youthful boldness, depending on who you ask.
Some fans view it as refreshing confidence, while others see it as disregarding team history.
NEXT: Rob Gronkowski Sounds Off On Abdul Carter For Jersey Request
