Giants Rookie Abdul Carter Shut Down by Lawrence Taylor: No Chance at Wearing No. 56

Abdul Carter, the New York Giants' third overall pick out of Penn State, arrived in the Big Apple with dreams of making history—maybe even one day landing in the franchise's Ring of Honor. But there's one thing that's off-limits: that iconic No. 56. Giant fans know that number was made legendary by Lawrence Taylor, arguably the most feared defender in NFL history. The Giants retired Taylor's number in 1994, and the Hall of Famer has no intention of letting anyone else make it theirs—no matter how big the rookie's dreams.

After Carter publicly said he'd love to wear 56, Taylor's response was about as subtle as a linebacker blitz: "I think it’s retired. Get another number. I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous." Clearly, Taylor's not here for any jersey recycling program.

Instead of sulking, Carter is channeling that rejection into motivation for his rookie year. Taking to X, he said, "The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance don’t change, LT is the GOAT. Nothing but respect. This just gonna make me work even harder!! I love it." If nothing else, the kid's got grit—and a healthy respect for the game's legends.

The number drama actually goes deeper. Carter's fellow Penn State alum, Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, asked if he'd keep their college tradition of wearing No. 11 in the NFL. But that, too, is off the table in New York—retired for quarterback Phil Simms. Carter then revealed he wanted Taylor's 56, leaving Parsons and his co-hosts stunned. The Giants' tradition of retiring numbers is starting to look like a collector's vault—good luck picking one that's free!

For context, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers recently got permission from Ray Flaherty's family to wear the retired No. 1, so number requests aren't totally unheard of, but Taylor is holding the line. He wants Carter to build his own legacy, not just borrow the digits of a legend.

No wonder Carter idolizes Taylor. LT's resume is the stuff of football dreams: 10 Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl rings, league MVP in 1986, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a whopping 142 sacks in 184 games. Not to mention, he did it all as a Giant, after being drafted second overall back in 1981. Carter has his work cut out for him—but hey, maybe he'll make double zero a household number. Stranger things have happened in New York.