The New York Giants didn’t draft Abdul Carter third overall because they thought he’d blend in. He was brought in to ruin opposing offenses — gameplans, clean pockets, blocking schemes, all of it. From the second he stepped off that draft stage in Green Bay, it was clear he was going to be a centerpiece of this defense for years.
But before Carter could even get a taste of the voluntary workout program, there was one unexpected wrinkle: What number would he wear?
Carter wore No. 11 at Penn State, just like Micah Parsons did before him, and that was his first choice. But with No. 11 retired for Phil Simms, Carter set his sights on another legendary number: No. 56, famously worn — and retired — by Lawrence Taylor. That request was quickly shut down. So Carter circled back to Simms. The Giants even reached out to gauge interest. Simms was reportedly open to it, but his family wasn’t. His wife and daughter vetoed the idea, and the number stayed off-limits.
Two Hall of Famers. Two retired numbers. Two firm “no’s.”
Abdul Carter’s number saga ends with a fitting twist
Carter reportedly asked about both jerseys during his early days with the team. LT respectfully shut down No. 56 with a message only he could deliver: “Get another number. I don’t care if it’s double zero — then make it famous.” Rob Gronkowski even chimed in and had some strong words.
As for No. 11? Simms actually seemed open to the idea on FanDuel TV, saying he wouldn’t mind Carter or fellow rookie Jaxson Dart wearing it. But that didn’t sit well with his family. According to Simms, his wife and daughter “outvoted him,” and the number stays retired.
So after being turned away twice — once by the greatest defender of all time and once by a family vote — Carter eventually landed on No. 51. And you know what? It kind of fits perfectly.
It’s right between 56 and 11. The best of both worlds. One nod to the Giants’ defensive legacy, the other to a championship quarterback. Now it’s Carter’s job to give 51 a new meaning.
Jaxson Dart, for what it’s worth, is expected to wear No. 6. So both of the Giants’ top picks in 2025 now have their numbers — and a clean slate to build something new.
After all the deliberation, Abdul Carter will be wearing #51 at rookie minicamp, per source.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 9, 2025
Jaxson Dart is expected to be in 6.
Note: Numbers are often subject to change before the start of the season.
Carter didn’t come to New York to follow someone else’s legacy. He’s finding out quick that you don’t need a famous number to make your own mark. If he delivers the way fans are hoping, No. 51 won’t be remembered for who wore it before — it’ll be known for what Carter does in it.