The legendary defensive player points out that the rookie must forge his own path in the NFL, with a number that distinguishes him
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Lawrence Taylor He wants the newly recruited CAVAMARISCALES OF THE New York Giants, Abdul Carter, He believes his own legacy, one that does not include using the number 56 that Taylor made famous during his legendary career.
Lawrence Taylor declared to ESPN that both spoke on Saturday morning, two days after Carter was the third global selection of the NFL Draft of 2025, from Penn State. The conversation occurred after Abdul Carter He will contact it through intermediaries about the possibility of using Taylor's retired number.
Lawrence Taylor He respectfully declined through intermediaries. Taylor's agent, Mark Leselter, and Carter's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, arranged a phone call this weekend. Taylor wanted to demonstrate his support for the new Cazamariscales of the Giants, but wanted him to leave his own mark.
“It has to be the player who is,” Taylor told ESPN in a telephone conversation. “It can't be another Lawrence Taylor. Well, maybe it's better than a Lawrence Taylor, who knows. But he has to leave his mark. It depends on him. “Taylor added:” I hope he is not thinking: 'Oh!, He knocked me out.' No, it is not so. It's like: 'Hey, I'm with you!' That is, I am one of those who support. I will be two steps behind you and make sure you don't fall. “
Abdul Carterwho published on social networks Taylor's photo on the wall of the facilities of the Giants During his previous visit to the draft, he thought it was worth trying. Taylor is considered by many the best defensive player of all time, and the number 11 that Carter used at the university is also withdrawn in honor of Phil Simms.
“The worst thing I could say was no! My position does not change, LT is the best (Goat), just respect … this will make me try even more! I love it,” Carter published in X.
Abdul Carter He has not yet decided what number he will use. On Friday, during his presentation press conference at the Giants facilities, he said he was still in the process of understanding everything. But I knew a lot about Taylor thanks to videos of YouTube and stories of its greatness.
“I still don't know him, but I feel that I will eventually meet him,” Carter said. “But he is the best American football player of all time, someone I admire. I just want to follow his steps, knowing how great it was. I just want Lawrence Taylor'. That is more my admiration for him, my inspiration to be like him. “
Taylor agreed to meet and visit Carter at the team's facilities next month.
Taylor was the second global selection of the draft of the NFL of 1981. It helped to turn the Giantswinning the defensive rookie and the defensive player of the year by joining the team. He was appointed MVP in 1986 and helped the Giants to get two super bowls during a 13 -year race, all with New Yorkwhich included 132.5 captures. Taylor chose the number 56 with the giants because he was a linebacker fan Thomas “Hollywood” Hendersonwho used it with the Dallas Cowboys.
Withdrawing a number for a first round of the draft is not something completely unknown to Giants. Malik Nabersselected in the first round of the draft last year, received permission from the deceased's family Ray Flaherty To use number 1.
