Abdul Carter’s Jersey Number Odds: Why 51 Is the Likely Choice

Key Highlights

• Abdul Carter has a 33.3% chance of wearing No. 51 for the Giants next season.
• There’s a 2.4% chance Phil Simms’ No. 11 gets unretired for Carter.
• No. 99 is still in play at +500, even though it’s currently worn by Roy Robertson-Harris.

Abdul Carter’s Jersey Number Odds

Abdul Carter’s quest for a jersey number with the New York Giants has become one of the most talked-about stories among fans. After wearing No. 11 at Penn State, Carter has encountered several roadblocks in securing his preferred numbers in the NFL. With iconic numbers off-limits and current players holding others, Carter’s options are dwindling. Here’s a breakdown of where things stand and the odds of him landing each number.

Why Abdul Carter Is Expected to Wear No. 51

According to our trading team (made up of experts with decades of experience at top sportsbooks), the most likely number for Carter is No. 51, currently listed at +200, translating to a 33.3% implied probability. Analysts have pointed out that this number is available and fits well as a linebacker number.

51 could be a symbolic compromise between Carter’s college number (11) and the historic linebacker number (56) worn by Lawrence Taylor.

While Carter hasn’t publicly stated his preference for 51, the lack of a current holder makes it a practical and likely choice for the young linebacker as he starts his NFL career.

No. 11: Still a Long Shot for Carter

Carter’s first choice was his college number, 11, but that quickly hit a roadblock. Phil Simms, the iconic Giants quarterback, initially expressed openness to unretiring the number. However, his wife and daughter strongly opposed the move, making it unlikely. Despite Simms’ willingness, the family resistance has pushed the probability down to just 2.4%.

Fans have debated whether the Giants should consider honoring a defensive player with a historically offensive number, but it seems clear that No. 11 is unlikely to be Carter’s new jersey.

Why Carter Could Stilll Wear 99

The second most likely option is No. 99, with odds of +500, translating to a 16.7% probability. This number is currently worn by defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris, meaning Carter would need to negotiate a swap. While Robertson-Harris hasn’t publicly commented, team insiders suggest that the number might be available if Carter pushes for it.

The appeal of 99 lies in its association with tough, physical players, which aligns well with Carter’s playing style. However, the obstacle of a number swap keeps it from being the clear favorite.

Other Numbers Still On the Board

A few other numbers remain in play, though with significantly lower odds:

• No. 55 (+600): Held by offensive tackle James Hudson III, who may or may not be open to swapping.
• No. 15 (+700): A possible option if he wants to reverse the 51.
• No. 4 (+900): An unconventional choice for a linebacker.
• No. 56 (+5000): Rejected outright by Lawrence Taylor.
• Retired Numbers: 10 (Manning), 16 (Gifford), 58 (Banks), 70 (Huff), 50 (Ken Strong) and 53 (Carson) are all off-limits.

Commentary

“Carter’s situation highlights how iconic numbers in the NFL can create unexpected challenges for rookies. The Giants’ legacy of legendary players makes finding the right number a bit tricky. From what I’m hearing, Carter and the team are leaning toward No. 51, not just because it’s a symbolic fit for a linebacker with a lot to prove.

“At the same time, the resistance to No. 11 from the Simms family shows how deeply entrenched those traditions are. It’s not just about availability, it’s about what the number means to the franchise.”
— Kyle Odegard, Head of PR at Sportscasting