New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter has his sights set on greatness—and he’s eyeing a legendary number to match. Well, after being taken No. 3 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carter told Bleacher Report he’s considering rocking No. 56 jersey. But that’s no ordinary number. It’s been off-limits since 1993, retired out of deep respect. Honestly, no one has dared wear it since. Now, Carter might just be bold enough to bring it back.

However, Cowboys’ Micah Parsons had one question for Abdul Carter: “You going with No. 11 in New York?” But Carter had something bigger in mind. “I don’t know,” he said with a grin. Adding, “56 sounds real good… but we gotta have a conversation.” Here, the Bleacher Report set erupted. Parsons, clearly impressed, fired back, saying, “I respect the hell out of that, dog. That would be some legendary stuff.” Simply put, Carter didn’t just drop a number—he dropped a statement.

However, Abdul Carter made his shot, but Giants legend Lawrence Taylor wasn’t having it. After the rookie pass rusher revealed his bold wish to wear the iconic No. 56, the man behind the number responded loud and clear. On April 26, JPAFootball reported the message Carter received from the Hall of Famer himself. “I know he would love to wear that number, but hey, I think it’s retired. Get another number, I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous,” Taylor told NYSports. In short? Respect the legacy, and build your own.

While Lawrence Taylor gave a firm “no” to Abdul Carter’s request to wear No. 56, the denial wasn’t about talent—it was about legacy. Taylor, a Giants legend who spent his entire 13-year career with Big Blue, racked up 10 Pro Bowls, eight All-Pro honors, and became the first defensive player to unanimously win NFL MVP in 1986. Carter, meanwhile, carved his own path at Penn State—First-Team All-Big Ten in 2023, Freshman All-American, and a Butkus Award semifinalist. His motor never stops, and neither does his impact. So, the message? Don’t wear greatness, become it.

There’s a silver lining to the “no” from Lawrence Taylor. By not wearing No. 56, Abdul Carter gets the rare chance to carve out a legacy that’s entirely his own. No constant comparisons. No living in the shadow. Just a clean slate to build his brand, his way. To be honest, for the Penn State star, it’s not a setback—it’s freedom. A new number could be the start of a new chapter, which only Carter can write.

Right now, the New York Giants didn’t hesitate Thursday night—they grabbed their guy. Well, after Cam Ward went No. 1 to the Titans and the Jaguars jumped up to snag Travis Hunter at No. 2, the board fell perfectly into place. However, for the Giants, Carter was a no-brainer. To be honest, he is a game-changer off the edge and a future face of the defense. And now, his selection with the Giants brings back old memories and the legacy of a legendary player.

The most intriguing part of Abdul Carter’s Giants selection

Abdul Carter, meet Jaxson Dart. Now, with both Carter and Dart selected by the Giants, the stage is set for an old college rivalry to reignite in the NFL. “I definitely got a good shot at him,” Carter said. Adding, “But he’s tough. He bounced back and kept fighting. That’s when I knew he was the real deal.”

Well, it all went down on December 30, 2023, in Atlanta, during the Peach Bowl, where Dart’s Ole Miss clashed with Carter’s PSU. So, a hit was made, and an impression was left. Right now, as Carter steps into the spotlight, that fierce moment against Dart only adds fuel to his drive to make an impact in New York.

But who could have imagined these two former rivals would reunite as first-round picks for the Giants? The universe operates according to its own design. However, Carter went No. 3 overall, as expected, while Dart patiently waited until the Giants traded up to take him at No. 25. Still, their shared history on the field is unforgettable: Carter, charging through the middle, hit Dart with a thunderous chest-to-chest collision. Dart attempted to throw, but the ball slipped free, and PSU capitalized on the turnover.

Interestingly, Jaxson Dart knew the threat was real before the game even kicked off. “I remember he got after me early on,” said Dart. Adding, “His skill set was just elite—I even told my family I hoped we’d play together one day.” Look, that dream is now a reality with the Giants. Carter, too, holds respect for Dart, stating, “He beat us, so if you beat Penn State in a big game like that, I know you’re the real deal.”

Honestly, their Peach Bowl clash left a mark—and now, that rivalry turns into a partnership in New York.