Context:

Phil Simms, former New York Giants quarterback, faced a family dispute over his willingness to let rookie Abdul Carter wear his retired No. 11 jersey. Despite Simms' openness to the idea, his wife Diana and daughter Deidre opposed it, leading to emotional family discussions. Chris Simms, Phil's son, revealed on 'PFT Live' that his sister and mother were in tears over the prospect, highlighting the personal significance attached to the jersey number. The family ultimately decided against allowing Carter to wear the number, with Phil acknowledging being outvoted by his family. Meanwhile, Carter, who was denied both No. 11 and Lawrence Taylor's No. 56, must now choose a different jersey number for his NFL career.

Dive Deeper:

• Phil Simms has been open to the idea of Abdul Carter, a first-round NFL Draft pick, wearing his retired No. 11 jersey, but his family, especially his wife and daughter, opposed the idea strongly.

• Chris Simms, Phil's son and NBC NFL analyst, shared on 'PFT Live' that his mother and sister were very emotional, even shedding tears, over the possibility of the number being given away, indicating the deep personal value it held for them.

• A family debate ensued, with Chris seeing the emotional reaction from his sister Deidre who was upset at him for not siding with her against their father, highlighting a split in family opinions.

• Despite Phil Simms' initial willingness, the family's collective decision, primarily led by Diana and Deidre, was to keep the jersey retired, leading Phil to respect their wishes and not proceed with granting the number to Carter.

• The situation has placed Carter in a position where he must now select a different jersey number, as both his requests for No. 11 and No. 56, the latter worn by Lawrence Taylor, have been denied.

• The scenario underscores the sentimental and personal significance that retired jersey numbers hold, particularly for families of legendary players, and the complexities involved in making decisions about them.

• The episode has drawn attention in the NFL community, as jersey numbers, while seemingly trivial, can carry weight and historical significance, particularly for new players seeking to honor past legends.