Abdul Carter, a recent high draft pick by the New York Giants, stirred controversy by expressing his desire to wear the retired No. 56 jersey, famously worn by NFL legend Lawrence Taylor. Taylor firmly rejected Carter's request, emphasizing the need for Carter to prove himself before considering such an honor. Rob Gronkowski publicly supported Taylor's stance, criticizing Carter's audacity to ask for the iconic number. After being denied No. 56, Carter proposed wearing his college number, which also belonged to another Giants great, Phil Simms, but the Simms family disapproved. Frustrated by these rejections, Carter humorously threatened to play without a number, highlighting the unnecessary drama over jersey selection at the start of his NFL career.

Abdul Carter, a high-profile draft pick for the New York Giants, attracted attention when he expressed interest in wearing the retired No. 56 jersey, a number synonymous with the legendary Lawrence Taylor. Taylor, protective of his legacy, dismissed the idea, emphasizing that Carter needs to earn such an honor on the field.

Rob Gronkowski supported Taylor's decision, questioning Carter's sense of entitlement to a number worn by one of the greatest defenders in NFL history. Gronkowski's comments served to underscore the respect and recognition Taylor's number commands within the football community.

Following the rejection of No. 56, Carter attempted to secure his college jersey number, which was also retired in honor of Giants legend Phil Simms. However, the Simms family unanimously decided against granting Carter this number, highlighting the respect owed to past Giants icons.

Carter, seemingly frustrated by the situation, humorously suggested that he might play without a jersey number, indicating his desire to resolve the issue and focus on his performance rather than the number controversy.

The situation reflects the importance and sensitivity surrounding jersey numbers in the NFL, particularly those associated with legendary players. For Carter, this controversy serves as a reminder of the expectations and legacy he must uphold as he begins his professional career.

The Giants held the No. 3 pick in last week’s NFL Draft and chose Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a dominant force at the college level who was a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. He’s expected to find similar success in the NFL—but before even playing a single snap, he stirred up controversy.

Carter was asked what number he planned to wear for the Giants, and he revealed he was considering No. 56—the retired jersey number of Giants legend and NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. Unsurprisingly, Taylor wasn’t having it.

“Get another number," Taylor said. "I don't care if it's double zero, and then make it famous.”

Taylor, rightfully protective of his legacy, wasn’t going to let Carter casually take his iconic number. Rob Gronkowski echoed that sentiment, mocking Carter for even making the request.

“Was he serious, asking for LT’s number? Yeah, you were a high draft pick, but LT is an absolute legend. The best to do it, one of the best defenders of all time… like, you gotta prove yourself. That’s crazy just asking for LT’s number and I’m glad that LT shut him down like that,” Gronkowski said.

Gronkowski, a legend in his own right, wasn’t shy about calling Carter out—and rightfully so. But Carter didn’t stop there. After striking out with No. 56, he suggested wearing his college number, which also happened to be the retired number of Giants great Phil Simms. The Simms family ultimately voted against allowing Carter to wear it.

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Frustrated, the rookie threatened to take the field without any number at all.

“D**n at this point imma be out there with just my last name on my jersey, no number. Jkjk, It’s all love. Just wanna play Football,” Carter wrote.

As of now, Carter still doesn’t have a jersey number—and after turning it into a bigger issue than it needed to be, he’d be wise to simply pick a new one and focus on proving himself on the field.