Jersey numbers hold special significance for college and NFL players alike, and Abdul Carter — selected third overall by the New York Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft — wasted no time declaring his preference for his new team.
"56 sounds real good, but we've got to have a conversation," Carter said in response to a question from Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons during the B/R NFL Draft show.
His response elicited stunned responses because the No. 56 jersey is iconic in Giants history — famously worn by Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, whose legendary 13-year career led the franchise to retire the number in his honour.
The motivation for Carter's comments became clear in an interview shortly his draft selection, when he expressed his admiration for Lawrence Taylor and his desire to emulate him.
"He's the greatest football player of all time. I want to follow in his footsteps."
Unfortunately for Carter, Taylor wasn't receptive to the idea of sharing his iconic number.
Carter took Taylor's response in his stride, demonstrating the respect Taylor deserves.
While Carter won't suit up in his preferred number, he has the talent to define his own legacy and is clearly driven to live up to his idol’s message and achieve greatness, no matter the digits on his back.