What is there about Giants edge rushers and their fixation with single-digit jersey numbers?
New to this trend is Abdul Carter, who, after a rookie season wearing No. 51, has announced that he is now No. 3, a number worn in 2025 by quarterback Russell Wilson.
The trio of Giants’ pass rushers is now quite a sight, with Brian Burns (No. 0), Kayvon Thibodeaux (No. 5) and now Carter, soon-to-be in single-digit attire.
This is not the first time Carter and his uniform number created a buzz.
Before he played a game in the NFL, Carter revealed he wanted to wear No. 56 — retired for the one and only Lawrence Taylor — but that plan went awry when Taylor declined to give his blessing.
Carter then sought to wear No. 11 — his number at Penn State —, but that number was retired for Phil Simms, and Simms’ family did not agree to allow Carter to wear it.
There were few single-digit options for Carter.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers did get permission from the family of Ray Flaherty to wear No. 1.
No. 2 is worn (for now) by cornerback Deonte Banks.
No. 4 (Tuffy Leemans) and No. 7 (Mel Hein) are both retired by the Giants.
No. 3 is fitting for Carter, as he was the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“U pic sum weird numbers bro’’ wide receiver Nabers posted to Carter on X.
In his short-lived time wearing No. 51, Carter played in all 17 games as a rookie, starting six times.
He had four sacks, 43 total tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
His 23 quarterback hits led all rookies.
Carter also twice was hit with punishments by interim head coach Mike Kafka for violating team rules.
The first time, Carter did not play the first series because he failed to be on the field for a walk-through.
Two weeks later, Carter was benched for the first quarter for lateness.
Prior to 2021, linebackers were not allowed to wear single digits.
For those thrilled by Carter’s arrival and purchased his No. 51 jersey, perhaps it will become a collector’s item.
