The New York Giants selected edge rusher Abdul Carter out of Penn State with the No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2025 NFL draft. It wasn’t a secret that was their plan, and he will provide the Giants with the defensive prowess on the edge that they’ve been lacking.
When he was initially drafted and looking at jersey numbers, there was some drama. He wanted to wear Lawrence Taylor’s retired No. 56 and was denied. Then he requested Phil Simms’ retired No. 11 and was denied. So he landed on No. 51, which had been vacated by the offseason exit of Azeez Ojulari.
After all of that, it seems Carter is sticking with No. 51 for his career.
51 here too stay. pic.twitter.com/ZQQlyH9mXU
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) August 29, 2025
During his senior season at Penn State, Carter recorded 68 tackles (43 solo), 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defensed. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten member.
Carter performed well during the preseason and will undoubtedly be a key part of the Giants’ defensive rotation in 2025.
Without having to live up to other people’s numbers, Carter can now set the standard for every future player who wants to wear No. 51, creating his own legacy.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants’ Abdul Carter announces he’s sticking with No. 51
