Abdul Carter’s Jersey Number Saga: From Hall of Fame Aspirations to Settling for 51

Abdul Carter, the highly touted third overall pick in the recent draft, has navigated a tumultuous journey to find a jersey number with the New York Giants. The linebacker’s initial aspirations to don legendary numbers like 56 and 11 were ultimately dashed, leading him to settle on No. 51. However, this number, seemingly unassuming, could potentially become a significant part of his legacy, contributing to a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

The article humorously suggests that if Carter’s jersey number selections were a batting average, he’d already be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The implication is that his initial ambition was set extraordinarily high, aiming for numbers synonymous with Giants greatness. This highlights the pressure and expectations placed upon a high draft pick like Carter, expected to immediately embrace the team’s history and culture.

Carter’s initial request to wear No. 56, famously worn by Lawrence Taylor, one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history and a Giants icon, was swiftly denied. Taylor himself reportedly shut down the request. The decision underscores the reverence with which Taylor’s number is held within the Giants organization and fan base. Retiring a player’s number signifies an unparalleled contribution to the team and a lasting impact on the sport, making it nearly sacrilegious for another player to assume that mantle.

The pursuit of No. 11, previously worn by quarterback Phil Simms, presented a more complex situation. Simms initially indicated his willingness to allow Carter to wear the number, which held personal significance for the linebacker, having worn it throughout his collegiate career at Penn State. At Penn State, wearing No. 11 is considered a badge of honor, bestowed upon a player deemed worthy by the university. Micah Parsons, now with the Dallas Cowboys, was the last Nittany Lion to wear it before Carter, demonstrating the prestige associated with the number.

However, Simms’ family ultimately vetoed the decision after what was described as a "lengthy, fiery debate." This illustrates the deeply personal nature of retired numbers and the emotional connection families maintain with their legacy. While Simms might have been open to the idea, his family’s perspective and respect for the number’s history within their own lives ultimately prevailed.

The rejection of both No. 56 and No. 11 led Carter to joke about potentially playing with just his last name on his jersey, highlighting his initial frustration and the unique situation he found himself in. The fact that he had to ask for permission to wear the number, and was twice denied, is a testament to the team’s history and the respect they have for their former players.

Ultimately, Carter will wear No. 51, a number that, while not retired, still has its own history within the Giants organization. Most recently worn by edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who is now with the Philadelphia Eagles, the number has been donned by Giants players since 1946. Chet Gladchuk was the first to wear the number.

The most notable Giant to wear No. 51 is Zak DeOssie, a long snapper who played for the team from 2004 to 2017 and won two Super Bowl championships. DeOssie’s tenure with the Giants and his contributions to the team’s success give the number a certain level of prestige. Carter now has the opportunity to build upon that legacy and create his own association with No. 51.

The article draws a parallel with the recent un-retirement of Ray Flaherty’s No. 1 for wide receiver Malik Nabers. Flaherty’s number was the first to be retired in professional football history, showcasing the magnitude of the decision to un-retire it. The Flaherty family granted permission for Nabers to wear the number, and the rookie went on to set a franchise record for most receptions in a season, demonstrating his worthiness. This case provides a contrast to Carter’s situation, highlighting the varying degrees of significance associated with different numbers and the circumstances surrounding their use. The G-Men have 13 retired numbers for 14 players. (The No. 14 is for Ward Cuff and Y.A. Tittle.) Warren Moon recently granted Cam Ward permission to wear No. 1 with the Tennessee Titans.

Carter’s journey to find a jersey number reflects the intersection of tradition, respect, and personal ambition within a storied NFL franchise. While his initial attempts to wear legendary numbers were unsuccessful, he now has the opportunity to forge his own path and create a legacy with No. 51. The number, while not initially his first choice, could become synonymous with his name if he lives up to his potential and helps lead the Giants to success.

The article’s closing remarks emphasize the potential for Carter to build a "Hall of Fame resume" on a number that might never have been considered for retirement. This suggests that individual performance and team success ultimately outweigh the significance of a particular number. Carter’s impact on the field will ultimately determine his legacy, regardless of the number on his jersey.