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Lawrence Taylor Responds To Abdul Carter's Jersey Request

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 2:44 PM ET

The New York Giants selected Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.

He was a slam-dunk pick and easily the best player available in the draft after the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to select Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter.

Carter will pair nicely with fellow pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Carter spoke with Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons after he was drafted and told him that he had No. 56 in mind for his NFL jersey number rather than his college number (No. 11).

"I don't know, but I got a different number in mind," Carter said. "56 sounds real good, but we gotta have a conversation, I don't know."

He wanted to wear Lawrence Taylor's 56 despite his jersey being retired, but Taylor told Carter that he wants him to create his own legacy and wear a different jersey number.

"He has to be the player that he is," Taylor told ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "He can't be another Lawrence Taylor. Well, he may be better than a Lawrence Taylor, who knows. But he has to make his mark. It's up to him."

Carter hasn't decided on a number, but once he does, his jersey will sell quickly since Giants fans are stoked to watch him play this season. He was the best pass rusher in college football during the 2024 season, finishing with 68 total tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended.

He helped Penn State get to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff last year before losing to Notre Dame in the semifinals.

The Giants only won three games last season and want to improve upon that number in a major way, especially since it's a make-or-break season for head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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