New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski recently criticized New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter for a request deemed audacious and disrespectful. Carter, selected third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, stirred controversy by requesting to wear jersey number 56—retired in honor of Giants icon Lawrence Taylor. This request, swiftly rejected by Taylor, also drew the ire of Gronkowski and his former teammate Julian Edelman.
Abdul Carter’s Controversial Request
Abdul Carter, a standout from Penn State with superstar potential, shocked many by requesting to wear Lawrence Taylor’s retired number 56, a number belonging to one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Taylor, a Giants legend, firmly denied the request, emphasizing that Carter should forge his own legacy. Undeterred, Carter then asked for number 11, the retired jersey of former Giants quarterback Phil Simms. However, the Simms family also rejected this request.
These demands came before Carter even played his first NFL game, leading many to view him as lacking humility and respect for the team’s legends. Gronkowski, one of the NFL’s greatest tight ends, didn’t hold back in expressing his disapproval on the Dudes on Dudes podcast, which he co-hosts with Julian Edelman.
Harsh Reactions from Gronkowski and Edelman
In the latest episode of Dudes on Dudes, Gronkowski called Carter’s request “insane” and disrespectful. “He actually asked for LT’s number? You’re a high draft pick, but LT is an absolute legend. One of the best linebackers ever. You’ve got to prove yourself first. It’s crazy to just ask for LT’s number,” Gronkowski said. He expressed satisfaction with Taylor’s blunt rejection of Carter’s request.
Julian Edelman echoed Gronkowski’s sentiments, describing Taylor’s response as “classic LT” when he told Carter to “make his own number.” Both former Patriots stars agreed that Carter, despite his immense potential, needs to earn his stripes on the field before making such bold requests.
Gronkowski even humorously mimicked legendary coach Bill Belichick, saying that if he were in Taylor’s position, he’d tell Carter, “Get out of my office and learn the playbook, because you haven’t done anything yet!”
Context and Significance of the Incident
Abdul Carter, who recorded 12.0 sacks and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors at Penn State, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense. However, his initial actions in the NFL have sparked controversy. Requesting two retired numbers right after being drafted reflects confidence but has been criticized as tone-deaf and disrespectful to the team’s history.
Lawrence Taylor, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, left an indelible legacy with the Giants, including two Super Bowl titles and numerous individual accolades. His number 56 is a symbol of excellence and untouchable to many fans. Similarly, Phil Simms’ number 11 holds significant meaning for Giants fans, though Simms initially seemed open to Carter using it before his family objected.
Community Reactions and Carter’s Outlook
The incident has garnered significant attention across media and social platforms. A post on X from the account @PATRIOTSpeeps highlighted Gronkowski’s criticism of Carter’s “brazen request,” reflecting the sentiments of some Patriots and NFL fans.
Despite the backlash, Carter remains highly regarded for his potential. He’s currently a top contender for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, with +250 odds on BetMGM. However, as Gronkowski and Edelman emphasized, Carter must prove his worth on the field before he can aspire to inherit the legacy of legends like Taylor.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Abdul Carter’s jersey number requests serves as a reminder of the balance between confidence and respect in the NFL. Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, as multiple Super Bowl champions, didn’t hesitate to call out the rookie for what they saw as arrogance. For Carter, this could be a valuable lesson as he begins his NFL journey. With his talent, Carter has the opportunity to build his own legacy, but as Taylor put it, he needs to “make his own number.”