• Abdul Carter, the Giants' No. 3 overall pick, was denied permission by Lawrence Taylor to wear his retired No. 56.
• Phil Simms initially expressed willingness to let Carter wear his retired No. 11, but his family overruled him, leading to the number remaining retired.
• The situation has sparked debate about team policies regarding retired numbers and the pressure placed on retired players to make these decisions.

New York Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter's search for a jersey number has become a notable story. Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick, Carter initially requested to wear Lawrence Taylor's retired No. 56, which Taylor declined, urging Carter to create his own legacy. Carter then pursued Phil Simms' retired No. 11, and Simms initially seemed open to the idea. However, Simms' family, particularly his wife and daughter, strongly opposed the idea, leading to Simms deciding to keep the number retired. The Giants organization also contacted Simms regarding the request.

• What: Abdul Carter, a Giants rookie, attempted to acquire the retired jersey numbers of Lawrence Taylor (No. 56) and Phil Simms (No. 11). Taylor declined, and Simms' family ultimately prevented him from allowing Carter to wear his number.
• Who: Abdul Carter, Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms, Chris Simms, Simms' wife Diana, Simms' daughter Deirdre, Giants GM Joe Schoen, Malik Nabers, Ray Flaherty
• When: May 2025, following the NFL draft. Taylor's rejection came shortly after Carter's draft night interview. Simms' decision was made public on Friday, May 2025.
• Where: New York Giants organization, MetLife Stadium, Simms' home (where the family discussion took place).

The Abdul Carter jersey number situation highlights the delicate balance between respecting team history and allowing new players to express themselves. Lawrence Taylor's rejection reflects a desire to preserve his legacy and encourage Carter to forge his own. Phil Simms' initial willingness, followed by his family's intervention, reveals the personal and emotional attachments associated with retired numbers. The broader discussion raises questions about whether teams should have clearer policies regarding retired numbers to avoid putting former players in uncomfortable positions. The case of Malik Nabers getting permission from Ray Flaherty's family shows that these situations, while sometimes successful, can be complex.

Get another number—I don’t care if it’s double zero—then make it famous.

I told some of my friends and people around me, 'I'd let him have it in a second. Can you just help it a little or make it better?' I think it would be a lot of fun. It wouldn't bother me.

I knew they threw a fit. I think it’s going to the point where literally there was like, they were shedding tears. I’m not trying to embarrass my mom or my sister, but that’s how important it was to them.

Abdul Carter's pursuit of jersey numbers 56 and 11, both retired for Giants legends Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms respectively, highlights the deep respect for team history and the complexities of unretiring numbers. While Taylor firmly declined, citing the importance of creating his own legacy, Simms initially considered it, but was ultimately overruled by his family, underscoring the personal connections and family legacy associated with retired numbers. This situation has sparked discussions about the Giants' approach to managing retired numbers and whether a more structured policy is needed. Despite the setback, Carter's focus remains on contributing to the team, and the episode serves as a reminder of the powerful bond between players, their numbers, and the fans who cherish the sport's heritage. As Carter explores alternative jersey options, such as No. 55, the team and its fanbase are left contemplating the balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.