In the high-stakes world of NFL legacy and tradition, rookie and former Penn state standout Abdul Carter just learned a valuable lesson from New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor: some numbers are sacred. The North Philly native and Penn State standout, selected third overall by New York, boldly hinted at wearing Taylor’s iconic No. 56 jersey before receiving a swift reality check.
Taylor’s message couldn’t be clearer to the talented linebacker hoping to follow in his footsteps. The Hall of Famer’s No. 56 has been untouchable since 1994, symbolizing perhaps the most dominant defensive career in NFL history. Now, Carter faces his first professional challenge — creating his own identity without his preferred digits.
Lawrence Taylor Stands Firm: No. 56 Jersey Off-Limits for Giants Rookie Abdul Carter
“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 — then make it famous.”
The message from the defensive legend leaves no room for negotiation regarding his hallowed number.
Carter responded: “The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance don’t change, LT is the GOAT nothing but respect… This just gonna make me work even harder!! I love it.”
The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance don’t change, LT is the 🐐 nothing but respect… This just gonna make me work even harder!! I love it.
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) April 26, 2025
Carter now faces a double jersey dilemma, with both Taylor’s No. 56 and his college number, No. 11 (retired for Phil Simms), unavailable. The situation stands in contrast to recent Giants draft pick Malik Nabers, who received permission to wear the previously retired No. 1 after approval from Ray Flaherty’s family.
Taylor’s firm stance came with valuable veteran wisdom for the rookie about surviving in the league’s most demanding market.
“It’s a rough place to play, but hold your head up, and every time you turn around, you do what’s good for the team, you’re going to make it,” advised the two-time Super Bowl champion.
Building His Own Legacy in a New Number
The number controversy highlights the delicate balance between honoring NFL history and allowing new stars to form personal connections with fans.
Taylor’s eight All-Pro selections and MVP award make his number sacrosanct in Giants lore, creating an invisible boundary even the organization’s highest draft picks cannot cross.
Carter’s public reaction demonstrates the rookie’s understanding of NFL hierarchy and respect for those who paved the way.
His acknowledgment of Taylor as the greatest of all time shows maturity beyond his years while signaling his competitive fire when noting the rejection “just gonna make me work even harder.”
As of April 26, 2025, no announcement has been made regarding Carter’s new jersey number.
The North Philadelphia native faces the challenge of turning an unfamiliar number into his brand while living up to the enormous expectations that come with being selected third overall in the NFL draft.
The jersey saga may ultimately benefit Carter by lowering initial comparisons to Taylor while still motivating the talented rookie.
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As Taylor wisely counseled, Carter has the opportunity to select any available number and “make it famous” through his play on the field rather than riding the coattails of Giants history.
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