When Abdul Carter stepped onto the field for his first rookie minicamp with the New York Giants, he did so wearing jersey No. 51. It wasn’t his first choice, but the young edge rusher is already embracing it as part of his journey in the NFL.
The Journey to Jersey No. 51
Carter’s initial hope was to wear a number that carried legacy and prestige—either No. 56, famously worn by Lawrence Taylor, or No. 11, retired for Phil Simms. Unfortunately, those numbers remain off-limits for now.
Lawrence Taylor politely declined Carter’s request to unretire No. 56, encouraging him instead to make his own mark with a new number. Meanwhile, while Phil Simms expressed openness to allowing Carter to wear No. 11, his wife and daughter vetoed the idea, leaving the iconic digits untouched.
So, why No. 51?
“Pretty much what we had available,” Carter said with a smile during Friday’s media session at the Quest Diagnostics Center. “It was a good number.”
Though it may not have been his dream number, Carter is determined to grow into it.
“I feel good,” Carter said. “I feel like it’s going to have to grow on me a little bit, but it’s feeling good right now.”
A Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Brian Daboll isn’t concerned about the number on Carter’s back—he’s focused on the player wearing it.
“Yeah, he’ll wear 51,” Daboll said. “I’m more concerned about the player and proving himself, so that’s what number he’s in, 51.”
For Carter, this mindset aligns perfectly with his approach. He knows the number doesn’t define him—it’s his performance on the field that truly matters.
“This is pretty much set,” Carter added. “I’m just happy to be out here playing football. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Other Rookie Numbers and Adjustments
Carter wasn’t the only rookie adjusting to a new number. Running back Cam Skattebo, who wore No. 4 at Arizona State, is now sporting No. 44—a change he admits isn’t ideal.
“This is what I’m in for now,” Skattebo said. “We’ll see—it’s a temporary number. We’ll see what I end up with later in the season.”
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, meanwhile, switched from his college No. 2 to No. 6 after Deonte Banks claimed the former. Dart remains undecided, saying:
“Yeah, I think we’ll come to a final decision here soon. Quite honestly, I kind of have to just look at the pictures to see if I like myself in six.”
Roster Moves and Contracts
The Giants made several moves ahead of rookie camp. Three draft picks signed their rookie contracts: offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (fifth round), tight end Thomas Fidone II (seventh round), and defensive back Korie Black (seventh round).
To create roster space, the team released veteran wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, whom they signed two months ago. However, Humphrey’s departure might not be permanent—he could re-sign as early as Monday. Additionally, the Giants are considering adding Gabe Davis, recently cut by the Jaguars, to bolster their receiving corps.
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