Carter’s jersey number became a hot topic when Carter suggested he would like 56, the number retired by the Giants in honor of legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor, shortly after the Giants selected him with the third overall pick in the 2025 draft. He was refused permission to wear the sacred digits, and when he tried to turn to University No. 11 he wore at Penn State — another jersey number retired by the Giants in honor of quarterback Phil Simms — the Hall of Famer’s family denied Carter’s request.
Carter eventually combined the two for 51, setting up the drama for the 2025 season. After the departure of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, No. 3 became available, and Carter capitalized.
Before the NFL loosened its jersey number requirements in 2021, linebackers were prohibited from wearing single digits. With increased potential, Carter is taking advantage. His jersey-buying fans will hope he sticks with that number for more than one season.