Giants (Temporarily) End Abdul Carter Number Saga

The biggest story of New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter’s first few weeks in the NFL was getting told “no” several times. First, it was Lawrence Taylor, who respectfully told Carter to get his own number and join him in the rafters. Phil Simms seemed a bit more willing to part with his No. 11, but was ultimately vetoed by his family.

As such, Carter had to wait for offseason workouts to learn what number he’ll be wearing.

The Giants’ jersey announcement temporarily ended Carter’s number saga on Friday.

He’ll be wearing No. 51, at least for now. New York unveiled the numbers for its 2025 NFL Draft class, albeit with the disclaimer that they are subject to change.

• Edge Rusher Abdul Carter – 51
• Quarterback Jaxson Dart – 6
• Defensive Tackle Darius Alexander – 91
• Running Back Cam Skattebo – 44
• Offensive Tackle Marcus Mbow – 71
• Tight End Thomas Fidone II – 86
• Cornerback Korie Black – 25

It seems to be coincidental that Carter received the 5 from Taylor’s No. 56 and a 1 from Simms’ No. 11. With only a handful of applicable numbers available, the drama has come to an anticlimactic conclusion.

“It was pretty much what we had available, so it was a good number,” he said, via the New York Post.

Needless to say, Carter is focused on more important things as his transition to the league is underway. The team, with a surplus at edge rusher alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, will ask him to move around a bit, perhaps next to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence inside or directly over the A gap as a mugging linebacker.

“It’s pretty much set. I’m just happy to be out here playing football. That’s all I’m worried about.”

While he won’t be wearing Taylor’s No. 56, the bar is set for Carter. As the No. 3 pick and plenty of talent around him, Carter will be tasked with living up to his blue-chip status immediately. Anything less will have his critics mocking the entire jersey ordeal in the first place.