**Giants’ Abdul Carter Aims for Greatness, But Number 56 Remains Retired**
The New York Giants have high hopes for their third overall pick, Abdul Carter from Penn State, envisioning him as a future star worthy of a place in their Ring of Honor. However, Carter’s aspirations to wear the iconic number 56, previously donned by legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor, will not come to fruition. The Giants retired Taylor’s number in 1994 to honor his remarkable career, and the franchise intends to keep it that way, despite Carter’s expressed interest.
Carter is using Taylor’s dismissal of his request as motivation as he prepares for his rookie season with the Giants. “The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance don’t change, LT is the [goat emoji]. Nothing but respect… This just gonna make me work even harder!! I love it,” Carter shared on social media. His comments followed Taylor’s response to inquiries about Carter’s desire to wear the number after being drafted.
In a conversation with fellow Penn State alum Micah Parsons, now a star edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, Carter discussed the possibility of continuing the tradition of wearing No. 11, which both players wore during their time at Penn State. However, that number is also retired, honoring former Giants quarterback Phil Simms. Instead, Carter set his sights on Taylor’s No. 56, prompting astonished reactions from Parsons and his Bleacher Report co-hosts.
When asked about Carter’s interest in the number, Taylor made it clear that he would not be relinquishing it. “I know he would love to wear that number,” Taylor stated. “But, hey, I think it’s retired. Get another number. I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous.”
While the Giants have previously allowed players like Malik Nabers to wear retired numbers with family approval, Taylor encourages Carter to carve out his own legacy in the NFL, urging fans to remember him for his unique contributions rather than a borrowed number. Carter undoubtedly aspires to achieve a career that mirrors Taylor’s illustrious path, which includes ten Pro Bowl selections, two Super Bowl championships, the 1986 league MVP title, and three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards.
As Carter embarks on his professional journey, he aims to make a name for himself while respecting the legacy of the Giants’ past greats.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why can’t Abdul Carter wear number 56?**
A: Number 56 is retired by the New York Giants in honor of Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who had a legendary career with the team.
