Taylor declines Carter's request to wear 56, rooting for new Giant - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Lawrence Taylor wants newly drafted New York Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter to create his own legacy, one that won't include wearing the No. 56 that Taylor made famous during his legendary career.

Taylor told ESPN that the two spoke Saturday morning, two days after Carter was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft out of Penn State. It came after Carter reached out to Taylor through intermediaries about potentially wearing Taylor's retired number.

Taylor respectfully declined through intermediaries. Taylor's longtime agent Mark Lepselter and Carter's agent Drew Rosenhaus then arranged a phone call this weekend. Taylor wanted to show he was supportive of the newest Giants pass rusher but wanted him to make his mark on his own.

«He has to be the player that he is,» Taylor told ESPN in a phone conversation. «He can't be another Lawrence Taylor. Well, he may be better than a Lawrence Taylor, who knows. But he has to make his mark. It's up to him.»

Taylor added, "… And I'm hoping that he's not thinking that, 'Oh, I got shot down by LT. No, it isn't like that, man.' It's, 'Hey, I'm with you!' I mean, I'm the guy that it takes two. I'm going to be two steps behind you and make sure you don't fall."

Carter, who posted a picture on the wall of Taylor at the Giants facility during his predraft visit, figured it was worth a shot. Taylor is considered by many to be the greatest defensive player of all time, and the No. 11 that Carter wore in college is also retired in honor of Phil Simms.

«The worst thing he could say was NO!!! My stance don't change, LT is the nothing but respect… This just gonna make me work even harder!!! I love it,» Carter posted to X.

Carter has not yet decided on a number. He