On the “Dudes on Dudes” podcast, Gronkowski and Edelman couldn’t hide their disbelief at Carter’s audacity to even ask for such an iconic number. Gronkowski joked that Carter’s request was “bold,” and Edelman expressed that it was probably a mistake on Carter’s part, calling it a “bad idea” to ask for a number that’s synonymous with one of the greatest players to ever wear a Giants uniform.
Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56 has been retired by the Giants in honor of his legendary career, which included two Super Bowl titles and 10 Pro Bowl selections. The request from Carter, who is only beginning his career, was seen as a bit presumptuous by the former Patriots stars, who are no strangers to what it takes to truly earn the respect of the football community.
Despite the lighthearted mocking, it’s clear that Carter, who is a promising talent, has a long way to go before he can approach the level of dominance Taylor displayed during his time with the Giants. Still, the exchange brings to light the immense pressure on young players to carve out their own identity in a league full of legends.
As for Carter, he will need to find a new number as the Giants have made it clear that No. 56 will remain off-limits. It remains to be seen what number he’ll choose for his rookie season, but one thing is certain—he’ll need to earn his place in the Giants’ storied history.
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