Rob Gronkowski, FOX studio analyst, weighs in on Abdul Carter’s crazy ask for legendary Lawrence Taylor’s historical jersey number 56.
After being drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft by the New York Giants, the last thing Abdul Carter hoped for was to get a reality check that some legacies are not up for grabs.
After being the number 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, the New York Giants rookie told Bleacher Report that he is considering this new chapter rocking the no.56 jersey.
However, that is no ordinary number when it comes to the New York Giants. His request for the number and the responses to it have given the fans epic football drama, as the story keeps making headlines.
Rob Gronk Says Abdul Carter Asking for LT’s Number Was “Outrageous”
While Micah Parsons popped the question to Carter whether the linebacker would consider the No. 11 for New York, Carter had something bigger in mind as he mentioned that the No. 56 would be good. While this was framed as an ask, it sounded more like a statement, and by no means was Taylor having any of that.
The message from the New York Giants legend was clear and loud.
“I know he would love to wear that number, but hey, I think it’s retired,” Taylor said. “Get another number, I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous.”
While it might seem like a straight-up “no,” it was more like advice towards the linebacker to build your own legacy.
However, it was not only the legend himself who had something to say towards such a statement coming from the rookie. Gronkowski, shared his opinion on the matter.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Rob Gronkowkski says it was crazy for Abdul Carter to ask Lawrence Taylor for his jersey number, via @DudesOnDudesPod
“Was he serious, asking for LT’s number? Yeah, you were a high draft pick, but LT is an absolute legend. The best to do it, one of the best… pic.twitter.com/FFVu5Lx133
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 3, 2025
“Was he serious, asking for LT’s number? Yeah, you were a high draft pick, but LT is an absolute legend. The best to do it, one of the best defenders of all time….like, you gotta prove yourself. That’s crazy, just asking for LT’s number, and I’m glad that LT shut him down like that,” Gronkowski said.
While it is understandable that the linebacker wanted to make it a tradition, the No. 56 jersey seems to be an exception when it comes to the Giants.
KEEP READING: Phil Simms’ Family Says No to Abdul Carter Wearing Giants No. 11
Amid all the drama circling on the internet regarding the legendary No. 56 jersey number and Carter, the rookie sent a message out on his X, seeing the fun side of the whole situation instead of letting it negatively impact him.
“Damn at this point imma be out there with just my last name on my jersey, no number….jkjk, it’s all love. just wanna play football!” Carter posted.
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