Abdul Carter might have been one of the most physically gifted players in the 2025 NFL Draft, but that wasn’t enough to get him a number out of the New York Giants Ring of Honor.
Carter made news when he famously got shot down by the NFL defensive G.O.A.T. Lawrence Taylor when he asked to wear his number, 56. No Giant has worn No. 56 since Taylor did, and the Hall of Famer wasn’t about to give it up now.
The Giants announced the jersey numbers that Carter and fellow rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will be wearing, at least in rookie minicamp. According to a post from ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan on X, Carter will wear No. 51, and Dart will wear No. 6.
Fans took to social media to express their feelings on the assigned numbers.
Fans Have Mixed Reaction to Giants Rookies Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart’s Jersey Numbers
While Carter got cooked for asking LT to let him wear his number, that didn’t mean that fans were happy with the Nos. 51 and 6.
@base718 posted, “Both numbers are disgusting hope they change.”
Both numbers are disgusting hope they change
— Base718 (@Base718) May 9, 2025
Equally frustrated with the choices, @NYG_Matt wrote, “Hate 51, Thought Ojulari’s jersey was ugly. Hoping for 52 and is not 55. 6 is not nearly as bad as 51 but not great.”
@NYGChambers isn’t happy with Dart in 6, “Oh dear God Dart needs to change his number immediately.”
@tydreon11 used the trash can emoji in response to Raanan’s post.
6? 🗑️🗑️ https://t.co/4m1LP0kggI
— TyDreon (@tydreon11) May 9, 2025
“Rumor has it that Carter is honoring NFL legend Will Compton,” said @jacksinthechat. While Compton did not play for the Giants, he did spend time with six other teams including division rival the then-Washigton Redskins (now Commanders).
Dart wore No. 3 in college. He cannot wear that with the Giants because it belongs to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who was signed by New York this offseason. He has worn No. 3 for his entire 13-year career, including stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
@sadnygfan is confused about Dart’s choice: “Why would Dart choose 6? He could have just picked 2 if he was going to temporarily double up on a number.”
Why would Dart choose 6? He could have just picked 2 if he was gonna temporarily double up on a number https://t.co/3wkPSfLHnH
— Aidan (@sadnygfan) May 9, 2025
Currently, punter Jamie Gillian wears No. 6. Players can wear the same number during the preseason but are not allowed to double up during the regular season, so maybe Dart has his eyes on a number he expects to open.
The fan suggested the No. 2, which Deonte Banks currently wears. Banks was the Giants’ number one pick in 2023 and is unlikely to leave. Banks switched from No. 3 to No. 2 to accommodate Wilson earlier this offseason.
@juthefool isn’t unhappy, “Love this for both,” he posted.
While @Geoffschwartz took a more tongue-in-cheek approach to the post, “What a relief. I was getting concerned he just wouldn’t have a number this season.”
What a relief. I was getting concerned he just wouldn't have a number this season. https://t.co/62ZgOeJgBc
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) May 9, 2025
The offseason is still underway, so there is plenty of time left for these players to finalize what number they will wear for the 2025 season.