Getting drafted into the NFL is a lifelong dream, but one unexpected challenge can be choosing a jersey number. For many athletes, a number holds deep personal meaning—whether it's a number they’ve worn since childhood or one they wore in college. For Abdul Carter, that decision has turned into more of a journey than expected.
Carter first looked to honor a legend by inquiring about Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56, hoping to pay tribute to the Hall of Famer. That request was quickly denied and Taylor reportedly said there's a reason the number is retired, and it’s staying that way.
Next, Carter turned to his college number: No. 11, the number he wore at Penn State. But that number is also off-limits, retired in honor of Phil Simms, the legendary Giants quarterback. Simms himself was reportedly open to the idea, but his family stepped in, insisting the number remain retired.
It’s not easy for a young player to feel disconnected from the number that’s been part of their identity. Transitioning to a new number is hard enough, and the NFL’s strict positional number rules only make it tougher.
But here’s the thing: Abdul Carter doesn’t need someone else’s number to shine. He’s got the talent, drive, and potential to make any number his own. Fans are already ready to support him—they just need a number to put on the back of their jerseys.
Choose your number, Abdul. Then make it unforgettable.