EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Abdul Carter split the difference, choosing to wear No. 51 with the New York Giants after flirting with the possibilities of the retired numbers of legends Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms.
Carter asked Taylor to wear his famed No. 56 after being selected third overall in the NFL draft last month. He was rebuffed. He then contemplated Simms' No. 11, before that door was closed by the family of the retired quarterback.
Carter eventually went with 51, taking a digit from each. The number was previously worn with the Giants by edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent this offseason.