While Taylor shot down Carter's request, Carter didn't seem to mind the denial. He wore No. 11 at Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) High School and at Penn State, but that number has also been retired by the Giants for some time. Phil Simms wore No. 11 for the Giants from 1979 through 1993 -- his entire 15-year career with the franchise.

Abdul Carter has tackled his first big task in the NFL by choosing a jersey number. After a search that made some headlines, the New York Giants’ first-round pick is wearing No. 51.

Giants starting tight end Theo Johnson was also a Nittany Lion who the team drafted with the 107th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In a recent interview following the draft, Carter spoke a bit about the friendly rivalry between him and his college teammate.