Abdul Carter stepped onto the field for the first time as a New York Giant, proudly wearing jersey No. 51. This number choice comes after he expressed interest in wearing No. 56, a number famously worn by Lawrence Taylor, but Taylor declined to share it. Instead, he encouraged Carter to make his own mark with whatever number he wore.
Carter, who was selected as the third overall pick in the NFL draft, shared his thoughts on his new number during rookie minicamp. He said, “I feel good. I feel like it’s going to have to grow on me a little bit, but it’s feeling good right now.”
He previously wore No. 11 at Penn State, a number that is also retired for Giants legend Phil Simms. Although Simms indicated he would be open to letting Carter wear No. 11, his family ultimately decided against it, leaving Carter with No. 51 as the best available option. “Pretty much what we had available,” Carter explained. “It was a good number.”
Coach Brian Daboll emphasized that the focus should be on Carter’s performance rather than the number he wears. He stated, “I’m more concerned about the player and proving him, so that’s what number he’s in, 51.”
While Carter is happy with his number, he acknowledged that it might not be permanent. He mentioned, “This is a temporary number. We’ll see what I end up in the season, but we won’t know that until later on.”
In addition to Carter, rookie running back Cam Skattebo debuted in No. 44, a number he wasn’t thrilled about after wearing No. 4 at Arizona State. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, who wore No. 2 at Ole Miss, had to adapt to wearing No. 6 for his first practice with the Giants.
As the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season, they are also making roster adjustments. Three draft picks have signed their rookie contracts, while the team recently released wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey to make room for new players.
Excitement was in the air as former Giants star Michael Strahan visited the practice, inspiring the rookies with his presence. Defensive tackle Darius Alexander shared his thoughts, saying it was “awesome” to see a Hall of Famer supporting them on their first day.
As the Giants move forward, all eyes will be on how the rookies adapt to their new numbers and roles in the team.