Carter’s Jersey Number Quest: A Giant Dilemma
Abdul Carter, the highly touted edge rusher drafted third overall by the New York Giants, has encountered a unique challenge even before stepping onto the field at MetLife Stadium: the seemingly insurmountable task of securing his desired jersey number.
Carter’s initial ambition was audacious, a direct reach for the pantheon of Giants legends. He sought permission to wear No. 56, a number eternally linked to Lawrence Taylor, widely considered the greatest Giant and arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history. The number was officially retired by the Giants in 1994, solidifying its untouchable status.
Taylor’s response was unequivocal. "I know he would love to wear that number," Taylor stated. "But, hey, I think it’s retired. Get another number. I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous." Taylor’s remark, while containing a hint of playful encouragement, firmly closed the door on the possibility of Carter donning the iconic No. 56.
Undeterred, or perhaps simply exploring all avenues, Carter then turned his attention to another retired number: No. 11, formerly worn by legendary Giants quarterback Phil Simms. This pursuit initially seemed more promising. Simms himself publicly stated that he would grant Carter permission to wear his number, which was retired by the Giants in 1995.
The No. 11 holds a special significance for Carter. He proudly wore it throughout his collegiate career at Penn State University. At Penn State, the No. 11 jersey is more than just a number; it is a badge of honor, a symbolic representation of excellence bestowed upon a player deemed worthy by the school and, crucially, by the most recent player to wear it. Before Carter, the prestigious number was worn by Micah Parsons, now a star linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. The legacy associated with No. 11 at Penn State clearly resonates with Carter, making it a desirable choice for his professional career.
However, the potential of Carter wearing No. 11 proved to be short-lived. Despite Simms’ personal willingness to allow Carter to adopt the number, his family ultimately vetoed the idea. According to longtime New York sports writer Gary Myers, Simms confessed that his own family “outvoted” him, effectively reversing his initial approval. This familial intervention highlights the deep personal connection and sentimental value these retired numbers hold, not just for the players themselves, but for their families as well.
Faced with the dual rejections of No. 56 and No. 11, Carter humorously pondered his next move. "I’ll be out there with just my last name on my jersey, no number," he quipped, showcasing his good humor in the face of the jersey number dilemma.
The Giants’ history with retired numbers is a complex one, marked by both reverence and, occasionally, a willingness to bend tradition. Last season, the team took the unusual step of un-retiring Ray Flaherty’s No. 1 for wide receiver Malik Nabers, who had worn No. 9 throughout college. Flaherty’s number retirement was the first in professional football history, adding to the significance of the decision.
Crucially, Flaherty’s family granted the Giants permission to un-retire the number for Nabers. The move proved to be a success, as Nabers thrived wearing the historic number. As a rookie, he set the franchise record for most receptions in a season, with an impressive 109 catches. Nabers’ performance validated the Giants’ decision and demonstrated that honoring the past and embracing the future are not mutually exclusive.
The Giants currently have 13 retired numbers honoring 14 players. The No. 14 is shared by Ward Cuff and Y.A. Tittle, illustrating that certain exceptional circumstances can lead to a shared retirement.
The recent example of Warren Moon granting Cam Ward permission to wear No. 1 with the Tennessee Titans further emphasizes the evolving landscape surrounding retired numbers. These numbers are not simply digits; they are potent symbols of a player’s legacy and the team’s history. While the general custom is to keep the numbers retired and hallowed, there are situations where the previous player will sign off on someone else wearing it.
The Abdul Carter saga raises a number of interesting questions about the future of retired numbers in the NFL. How flexible should teams be in un-retiring numbers, especially in cases where the player or their family gives their blessing? Is it possible to balance the desire to honor the past with the need to provide current players with numbers they desire? What should be the criteria considered when thinking of un-retiring a number? Is it only acceptable if the previous player gives their blessing, or should there be some other criteria for un-retiring a number? How long should a number be retired for? Is it still a respect if a number is retired for 10 years before being unretired, or would it need to be retired for 50+ years before being un-retired?
For Carter, the immediate challenge is finding a suitable number that he can wear with pride. While he may not be able to sport No. 56 or No. 11, he has the opportunity to create his own legacy with whatever number he ultimately chooses. Perhaps Taylor’s suggestion of “double zero” holds some merit. Regardless of the number on his jersey, Carter’s performance on the field will ultimately define his career and determine his place in Giants history. He can even turn his last name on his jersey into a famous name. This is all that should matter to him at the end of the day.
The team will need to find a suitable number for Carter, as they can not just leave him without a number for an entire season. The pressure is on the team to decide, and it seems like most numbers are unavailable to him.
