Giants legend Lawrence Taylor rejects Abdul Carter’s request to wear No.56

Lawrence Taylor respectfully declined Abdul Carter’s request to wear his retired No. 56 for the New York Giants.

Giants legend Lawrence Taylor rejects Abdul Carter’s request to wear No.56

Abdul Carter, Lawrence Taylor (Images via Giants.com/NY Post)

Abdul Carter had approached Lawrence Taylor, hoping to wear the legendary No. 56 jersey for the Giants. Carter, selected third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had idolized Taylor throughout his young career.

Despite his admiration, Carter’s bold request was met with a polite but firm rejection by Taylor. Taylor, a Hall of Famer and New York Giants icon, encouraged Carter to carve his own path without the historic number. Lawrence Taylor played for the New York Giants from 1981 to 1993. He spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the team.

Carter had worn No. 11 at Penn State, but that number was retired by the Giants for Phil Simms. While visiting the Giants’ facility pre-draft, Carter shared his admiration by posting a photo of Taylor’s image. After being drafted, Carter reiterated how much he studied Taylor’s highlights, considering him the gold standard for defensive dominance.

However, Taylor believed Carter needed to build a unique identity, separate from his own legendary career.

Speaking to ESPN, Taylor had emphasized, “He has to be the player that he is; he can’t be another Lawrence Taylor.” Taylor added that while Carter could surpass him someday, his success would come through his own achievements.

“Get another number, I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous,” Taylor joked while speaking to the New York Post.

Carter responded positively on social media, expressing deeper motivation and respect for Taylor’s decision.

Carter had led the nation last season with 23.5 tackles for loss and recorded 12 sacks at Penn State. His addition bolstered a Giants defensive line already featuring Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence. Carter stated he believed the Giants’ defense would become one of the league’s most dominant units with his arrival.

There had been precedents where Giants players received special permission to wear retired numbers. Malik Nabers had worn Ray Flaherty’s retired No. 1 jersey with the family’s blessing last year.

Here are the thirteen numbers retired by the New York Giants:

NumberPlayer
1Ray Flaherty
4Tuffy Leemans
7Mel Hein
10Eli Manning
11Phil Simms
14Ward Cuff and Y.A. Tittle
16Frank Gifford
32Al Blozis
40Joe Morrison
42Charlie Conerly
50Ken Strong
56Lawrence Taylor
92Michael Strahan

Cam Ward, drafted first overall by the Titans, also gained Warren Moon’s approval to wear his previously retired No. 1 jersey. However, Taylor made it clear that No. 56 would remain untouched, preserving its iconic legacy.

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Abdul Carter embraces new challenge after Lawrence Taylor’s refusal

In light of Lawrence Taylor’s respectful no to Abdul Carter, and encouragement to Carter to forge his own identity rather than continue another’s legacy, he has chosen to do something that has earned his good points. Carter’s public response demonstrated maturity and determination.

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.

Abdul Carter said

Retired numbers symbolize greatness but also limit options for new stars seeking to establish themselves. The Giants, who have already retired thirteen numbers, may eventually face tough decisions as more legends emerge.

Also Read: Giants GM’s daughter allegedly leaked Shedeur Sanders’ number that led to him getting pranked on Draft Day