Phil Simms Talks Giants' Aura Farming

The New York Giants are in familiar territory. Sometimes, a rookie comes along who is too talented, too destined for stardom, to hand them a jersey number that isn’t aesthetically pleasing.

In 2024, the Giants pulled out all the stops to unretire No. 1 from Ray Flaherty’s family and give receiver Malik Nabers the jersey he desired. He immediately made good on it, ascending to the pantheon of elite NFL receivers despite bottom-barrel quarterbacking.

New York will hope edge rusher Abdul Carter has a similar rookie season, contending for Defensive Rookie of the Year and making the pass rush a league-best unit. And from the school of “look good, play good,” the Giants might grant him a unique opportunity.

Carter asked Hall of Fame edge rusher Lawrence Taylor for his No. 56, for which he was politely denied. Another figure from New York’s past might be more generous.

Giants legend Phil Simms unholstered his take on unretiring a jersey for a rookie, potentially putting No. 11 up for grabs.

“I told some of my friends, ‘Oh, I’d let him have it in a second. Could you just help it a little and make it better?’ I think it would be a lot of fun. It wouldn’t bother me,” Simms said, via FanDuel TV.

“I know it is (an honor), but whatever, I don’t know. If they really want it,” Simms added. “I don’t know if my family has said anything ... but my agent said, ‘Don’t you dare give up that jersey number.’ Well, first off, I don’t think Abdul Carter is gonna ask for it. But if it was up to me, I would probably give it to him.”