Lawrence Taylor to Abdul Carter: Forge Your Own Legacy with Giants
Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor has encouraged newly drafted New York Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter to establish his own identity rather than inherit Taylor’s iconic No. 56. The two spoke Saturday, following carter’s selection as the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, after Carter inquired about wearing the retired number.
Taylor’s Blessing Comes with a Challenge
Taylor, in a phone conversation, expressed his support for Carter while emphasizing the importance of creating a unique legacy. “He has to be the player that he is,” Taylor said. “He can’t be another Lawrence Taylor…he has to make his mark. Its up to him.”
Mutual Respect Despite Number Rejection
Carter, who wore No. 11 at Penn State (also retired by the Giants in honor of Phil Simms), acknowledged Taylor’s legendary status and expressed his respect on social media. “The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance don’t change, LT is the [sic] nothing but respect… This just gonna make me work even harder!!” Carter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Carter Aims to “Chase Greatness”
During his introductory press conference, Carter revealed he hadn’t yet decided on a jersey number. he spoke of Taylor as “the greatest football of all time” and someone he looks up to, aiming to follow in his footsteps and “chase greatness.” Taylor plans to meet with Carter at the team facility next month.
Looking Ahead: Carter’s Path in the NFL
While the number 56 remains retired,Carter’s determination to honor Taylor’s legacy while forging his own path promises an exciting start to his NFL career with the Giants.
Lawrence taylor on Giants No. 56: ‘I Think It’s Retired’
Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has weighed in on the possibility of a current New York Giants player wearing his iconic No. 56,suggesting the number should be considered retired. Despite this sentiment, Taylor expressed no animosity toward any player who might want to don the jersey, emphasizing a desire for them to ”make another number famous.”
Taylor’s Stance on No. 56
Taylor, a Giants legend, wants his iconic No. 56 retired.However, he welcomes a new player to make another number their own. “I know he would love to wear that number, but hey, I think it’s retired,” Taylor stated. “Get another number, I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous.” taylor clarified that his statement was not meant to be disrespectful.
Positive First Impression
Taylor’s initial interaction with the interested player was positive. ”I mean, the guy’s a great player, and I’ll tell you what, I just talked to him on the phone for a couple of minutes, I mean, what a personality,” taylor noted. “I mean, he seems like he’s a good guy.”
Taylor’s Illustrious Career
Lawrence Taylor was drafted second overall by the Giants in 1981 and quickly transformed the team’s defense. He earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and later, Defensive Player of the Year. In 1986, he was named NFL MVP and led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories during his 13-year career, all spent in New York. Taylor amassed 132.5 sacks. he chose No. 56 as a tribute to Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson.
What precedent does the Giants retiring both #56 and #11 set for future players wanting to honor past legends?
Lawrence Taylor & Abdul Carter: FAQs
This Q&A section follows the discussions between Lawrence Taylor and Abdul Carter regarding Carter’s potential to wear the iconic No. 56 for the New York Giants.
Q&A
Q: Why is Lawrence Taylor’s number 56 retired?
A: The Giants retired No. 56 to honor Lawrence Taylor,a legendary linebacker who transformed the team’s defense and led them to two Super Bowl victories. His impact on the franchise was immense.
Q: What did Lawrence Taylor say to Abdul Carter about wearing number 56?
A: Taylor encouraged Carter to forge his own legacy and make his own mark,rather than trying to fill Taylor’s shoes. He stated that the number is “retired” and suggested Carter choose another number and make it famous.
Q: What number did Abdul Carter wear in college?
A: Abdul Carter wore the number 11 at Penn State. This number is also retired by the Giants, in honor of Phil Simms.
Q: What is Abdul Carter’s goal with the giants?
A: Carter aims to “chase greatness” and follow in Lawrence Taylor’s footsteps. He respects Taylor and understands the challenge ahead. He has not yet decided on a jersey number for the Giants.
Q: Why did Lawrence Taylor choose the number 56?
A: Taylor chose number 56 as a tribute to Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson.
Q: What are some of Lawrence Taylor’s career achievements?
A: Taylor was drafted second overall by the Giants in 1981. He was Defensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and NFL MVP in 1986. He led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories during his 13-year career, accumulating 132.5 sacks.
As Abdul Carter starts his NFL journey with the Giants, the key takeaway is the importance of creating your own path. Stay tuned to see which number Carter will choose and how he will make his mark on the team!
