Abdul Carter, selected third overall by the New York Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft, expressed a desire to wear the number 56, which was famously worn by Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and retired by the Giants in 1994. Despite Taylor declining Carter's request to wear the number, suggesting instead that he make another number famous, Carter took this as motivation to excel in his rookie season. Carter, who also wore number 11 at Penn State with Micah Parsons, faced the same issue as former Giants quarterback Phil Simms had his number retired as well. The Giants have a history of players requesting to wear retired numbers, as seen with Malik Nabers receiving permission to use Ray Flaherty's number. Taylor hopes Carter will establish his own legacy with a unique number, but Carter remains determined to honor Taylor's legacy through his performance on the field.

Abdul Carter was drafted third overall by the New York Giants during the 2025 NFL Draft with ambitions to become one of the team's legendary players, potentially entering their Ring of Honor.

Carter expressed a desire to wear the number 56, which was worn by Lawrence Taylor, a Hall of Fame linebacker regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history; however, this number was retired by the Giants in 1994.

Lawrence Taylor, upon hearing Carter's request, advised him to choose another number and make it memorable, as Taylor's number remains a cherished symbol of his illustrious career.

Carter plans to use Taylor's denial as motivation to fuel his efforts in the upcoming NFL season, aiming to make a significant impact and earn respect in his own right.

While Carter also considered wearing number 11, previously his number at Penn State, this was not an option either as it had been retired for former Giants quarterback Phil Simms.

The Giants have previously allowed players to wear retired numbers with familial consent, as seen when wide receiver Malik Nabers was permitted to wear Ray Flaherty's retired number one.

Taylor's illustrious career with the Giants included achieving numerous accolades such as being a two-time Super Bowl champion and the 1986 NFL MVP, and Carter aspires to emulate such a successful career.