Lawrence Taylor denies Abdul Carter's request for No. 56 jersey

In a significant moment for the New York Giants, Abdul Carter, their newly drafted linebacker from Penn State, expressed interest in wearing the number 56 jersey, famously retired in honor of Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. Taylor, a legendary figure in the NFL and widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in history, has made it clear that he intends to keep that number retired. Taylor's comment emphasized the importance of forging one's identity in the sport, as he encouraged Carter to make the number he ultimately chooses famous instead. Despite Carter's desire to honor Taylor by wearing his number, the retired jersey serves as a reminder of Taylor’s dominant career spanning 13 seasons, during which he earned multiple accolades. One of the most significant aspects of this interaction is the potential impact on Carter’s career, as the first-round draft pick looks to establish himself in the NFL while maintaining respect for the franchise's history. The retired nature of both Taylor's and Phil Simms' numbers presents a unique challenge for Carter as he begins his professional journey, pushing him to find his path within the esteemed franchise and amongst its legacy of great players.