Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor, both legends of the Giants, have retired together, and now they’re involved in choosing a jersey number for rookie Abdul Carter.
In an exclusive interview with Steve Selby, Taylor dismissed the idea of Carter wearing the iconic No. 56, as he has no plans to retire it. Meanwhile, Simms suggested that Carter might be able to take on the No. 11, which he’s open to giving up, possibly for Carter or fellow rookie Jackson Dart.
Simms shared, “I told my friends, I’ll happily pass that along. Can you assist me in making it happen?”
He added, “It’s a fun situation. I don’t think it’ll be an issue.” Carter, who donned the reputable No. 11 during his time in Pennsylvania, seemed thrilled by Simms’ support and responded enthusiastically.
“It’s going to be an honor,” Carter wrote, tagging Simms and adding a hand emoji with horns.
Both Simms and Taylor hung up their cleats after the 1993 season. During the retirement ceremony, Simms threw a symbolic “final pass” to Taylor as he bid farewell to his No. 11 jersey.
Last year, when the late Ray Flaherty’s family considered granting rookie receiver Malik Neighbors the honor of wearing No. 11, it raised questions about its retirement.
Simms reacted, “That’s tough. I’m not sure.” He mentioned that he hadn’t discussed it with his family, and while he doubted Carter would even ask for the number, he stated that he would likely approve it if he did.
Hall of Famer Warren Moon once allowed the Titans to use his No. 1 when they were the Houston Oilers, a comparable situation to this jersey number debate.
On a personal note, I wore No. 2 at Ole Miss, but currently, it’s claimed by cornerback Deonte Banks. No. 12, however, is up for grabs.
