Since the New York Giants drafted him third overall in this year’s NFL Draft, there has been much speculation about what jersey number LB Abdul Carter will wear next season.
First, there was talk that he could wear Lawrence Taylor’s retired number 56, but that did not work out. Next, he wanted the number he wore in college, number 11, but that number was worn by the great Phil Simms, so like number 56, that also did not work out.
So, he settled on number 51, and number 51 was out on the field with his fellow rookies on Friday at the team’s Rookie mini-camp.
Carter explained how he decided on number 51, which wasn’t complicated.
“Pretty much what we had available,” he said. “It was a good number.
According to Carter, getting used to the new number will take time.
“I feel good,” he said. “I feel like it’s going to have to grow on me a little bit, but it’s feeling good right now…
“It’s pretty much set. I’m just happy to be out here playing football. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll says he’s focused on Carter, not the number.
“Yeah, he’ll wear 51,” Daboll said. “I’m more concerned about the player and proving him, so that’s what number he’s in, 51.”
The 21-year-old said it finally hit on Friday that he had made it to the NFL.
“Yeah, I feel like it really hit me today,” Carter said. “Being out here playing football, working with the guys, just being on the field. Like I’m here, I made it to NFL, but I’ve also got to keep putting the work in and working, but I’m loving it.”
Whether he’s number 56 or 11, Carter has to perform, and it would have been too much pressure for him to wear 56. Lawrence Taylor is maybe the greatest pass rusher in NFL history. Wearing that jersey would have been more of a burden than anything. Now, Carter has to make 51 great!
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