Abdul Carter Finds His Number: A Fresh Start with No. 51
Abdul Carter’s arrival in New York was met with palpable excitement, but his quest to secure a jersey number quickly became a saga worthy of its own chapter in Giants lore. Drafted with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Penn State linebacker was determined to make a statement from day one, and that ambition extended to the very digits emblazoned on his jersey. His initial desires, however, encountered resistance, leading him down a path that ultimately culminated in a number that represents a compromise, a fresh start, and a chance to forge his own identity: No. 51.
Carter’s aspirations began with the hallowed No. 56, a number synonymous with Giants greatness, inextricably linked to the legendary Lawrence Taylor. The mere mention of those two digits conjures images of relentless pass rushes, bone-jarring hits, and an era of defensive dominance that propelled the Giants to Super Bowl glory. It’s understandable that a young linebacker, eager to emulate the impact of his predecessors, would be drawn to such an iconic number.
"I don’t know, 56 sound real good, but we gotta have a conversation," Carter had boldly declared in an interview with Bleacher Report shortly after hearing his name called on draft night. The statement, while perhaps a reflection of youthful enthusiasm, immediately ignited a firestorm of debate among Giants fans.
The idea of a rookie, however talented, donning Taylor’s retired number was met with mixed reactions. Some appreciated Carter’s ambition and saw it as a sign of his confidence and willingness to embrace the Giants’ rich history. Others, however, felt that No. 56 was sacrosanct, a symbol of Taylor’s unparalleled contributions to the franchise that should remain untouched.
Ultimately, the decision rested with Taylor himself, and the Hall of Famer made his position clear. While acknowledging Carter’s potential, Taylor emphasized the importance of forging one’s own path. "He has to be the player that he is," Taylor stated in an interview with ESPN. "He can’t be another Lawrence Taylor. Well, he may be better than a Lawrence Taylor, who knows. But he has to make his mark. It’s up to him."
Taylor’s words carried significant weight, and his preference for keeping No. 56 retired ultimately prevailed. It was a decision rooted in respect for the past but also a challenge to the future, urging Carter to create his own legacy rather than simply attempting to replicate someone else’s.
With No. 56 off the table, Carter turned his attention to another storied number in Giants history: No. 11, worn by the legendary quarterback Phil Simms. Simms led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories and cemented his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Unlike Taylor, Simms expressed a willingness to consider unretiring his number, at least for Carter or fellow rookie Jaxson Dart. "I told some of my friends and people around me, I’d let him have it in a second. Can you just help it a little or make it better?" Simms said on FanDuel TV. "I think it would be a lot of fun. It wouldn’t bother me."
Simms’ open-mindedness was met with enthusiasm from Carter, who took to social media to express his gratitude and reiterate his desire to wear No. 11. "It would be an honor if Simms and his family would allow it," Carter posted.
However, despite Simms’ personal willingness, the decision was ultimately a family affair, and the Simms family voted against unretiring the number. "Simms family outvoted the quarterback," longtime New York Daily News writer Gary Myers reported, confirming that No. 11 would remain retired.
Thus, Carter’s pursuit of a number steeped in Giants history came to an end. He had approached two legends, sought their blessings, and ultimately been denied. It was a humbling experience, perhaps, but also a valuable lesson in respect for tradition and the importance of forging one’s own identity.
With both No. 56 and No. 11 unavailable, Carter was left with a blank canvas, an opportunity to choose a number that wasn’t burdened by the weight of the past. He could select any available number and imbue it with his own meaning, his own achievements, his own legacy.
And so, Abdul Carter chose No. 51.
The number 51 doesn’t carry the same historical baggage as 56 or 11. It’s not immediately associated with a single iconic player or a specific era of Giants football. It’s a relatively clean slate, a number that offers Carter the freedom to define it on his own terms.
Perhaps the selection of 51 is a subtle nod to both of his previous choices. It contains the "5" from Taylor’s 56 and the "1" from Simms’ 11, suggesting a desire to honor the past while simultaneously embracing the future. Or perhaps it was simply the best available number that resonated with him personally.
Regardless of the specific reasons behind his choice, the fact remains that Abdul Carter will wear No. 51 as he embarks on his NFL career. It’s a number that represents a fresh start, a chance to write his own story, and an opportunity to become a legend in his own right.
The journey to find his number was highly publicized, filled with anticipation, and ultimately defined by respect for the past. Now, the real work begins. Now, it’s on Abdul Carter to make No. 51 mean something. Now, it’s on him to prove that he’s not just another linebacker, but a force to be reckoned with, a player who will leave his own indelible mark on the New York Giants and the NFL. The slate is clean, the number is chosen, and the future is unwritten. The Abdul Carter era in New York is about to begin.
