
Abdul Carter may have hit a roadblock with one Giants legend over jersey number hopes, but another is offering a different path.
While Carter’s request to wear Lawrence Taylor’s iconic No. 56 was swiftly denied, former Giants quarterback Phil Simms has shown a surprising level of openness. Simms, whose No. 11 is retired by the team, said on FanDuel TV that he’d be fine with Carter wearing it if he wanted to—despite some pushback from people around him. Carter wore No. 11 during his college career at Penn State, and while the Giants haven’t yet announced his jersey number, Simms’ approval could open the door.
Phil Simms’ offer adds an unexpected twist to the early days of Abdul Carter’s NFL journey. Though the Giants have historically held retired numbers in high regard, Simms appears to be putting the team’s future ahead of tradition.
“I wouldn’t mind it,” Simms said on FanDuel TV. “If it helps the kid feel comfortable and perform better, let him have it.” Simms acknowledged that not everyone in his circle agreed with his view, but emphasized that his legacy isn’t tied to a number—it’s about what he accomplished on the field.
Carter, drafted No. 3 overall by the Giants, made headlines for expressing interest in wearing Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56—arguably the most sacred number in franchise history. Taylor swiftly rejected the idea, reinforcing that some legacies are off-limits. But Simms’ willingness to make an exception shows a level of humility and support for the next generation of Giants stars.
With no number assigned to Carter yet, all eyes will be on the team’s final decision. Whether he dons No. 11 or chooses a new identity altogether, it’s clear the rookie already has the attention—and respect—of the legends who came before him.
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