A legendary jersey number is a powerful lure for any prospective rookie, offering an opportunity to connect with the greats of the past. The desire of Abdul Carter, a rookie linebacker for the New York Giants, has been thwarted twice.
The Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Phil Simms’s No. 11 is another cherished number that Carter set his sights on after his first request for Lawrence Taylor’s famous No. 56 was rejected. Although the most recent sources suggest that number is no longer on the table, Carter’s NFL debut takes on an intriguing new dimension.
Giants Blocked From Unretiring No. 11 for Abdul Carter After No. 56
After the draft, it became public that the gifted Penn State linebacker, who wore number 11 while in college, had asked if he might wear the same number with the Giants. This generated discussion, particularly after Simms himself declared in public that he would be amenable to the notion. The Giants retired Simms’ No. 11 in 1995, but he said he “wouldn’t mind” and that it “would be a lot of fun” to see the number again.
Phil Simms’ No. 11 with the Giants is now expected to stay retired as Abdul Carter’s search to find a jersey number to wear in New York continues:https://t.co/78aEHXBKbk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2025
But even though Simms came across as generous, he wasn’t the only one who made the ultimate choice. As veteran NFL columnist Gary Myers had previously reported, Simms finally admitted that he was “outvoted by his family” on the issue. To commemorate Simms’ legacy with the Giants, his family members firmly believed that the retired No. 11 should stay unaltered, even though the former Super Bowl MVP was eager to do so.
Lawrence Taylor’s prompt and unambiguous refusal to allow the rookie to wear his retired No. 56 was the second time that Carter had been denied a legendary Giants number.
Carter, who had his sights set on wearing either his college number 11 or No. 56, handled the news well and posted a lighthearted response on social media. He indicated his amicable acceptance of the circumstance by joking that he might merely wear a jersey with his last name and no number.
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This episode highlights the delicate balance between a young player’s wish to honor a legend or continue a personal tradition and the great regard for the history and customs of a legendary NFL team like the Giants. It is a great honor that retired numbers represent the tremendous accomplishments of players who have made a lasting impression on the team and its supporters.
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